Rihanna is mourning the loss of her father, Ronald Fenty, who passed away at the age of 70 in Los Angeles after a brief illness. The news, first confirmed by Barbados-based outlet Starcom Network, has sparked an outpouring of condolences from fans around the world.
While the exact details of his passing haven’t been officially released, it’s understood that his family was with him around the time of his death. The news comes at a significant time in Rihanna’s life, as she is currently expecting her third child with longtime partner A$AP Rocky.
A Complicated Father-Daughter Relationship
Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has had a well-documented and sometimes turbulent relationship with her father. Growing up in Barbados, Rihanna experienced the effects of her parents’ troubled marriage, which included her father’s struggles with addiction. Her parents eventually divorced when she was 14 years old.
In more recent years, the relationship became strained again, especially after a 2019 lawsuit Rihanna filed against Ronald. She accused him of exploiting her name and brand, “Fenty,” for business ventures without her permission. Ronald Fenty had launched a company called Fenty Entertainment, which Rihanna claimed falsely represented itself as being affiliated with her. She later dropped the lawsuit in 2021, and the status of their relationship afterward was kept private.
Despite their ups and downs, Rihanna had spoken in past interviews about trying to maintain some connection with her father. The complexity of their bond made headlines over the years but also reflected the human reality of many families—complicated, emotional, and full of history.
A Father of Six, and a Grandfather Too
Ronald Fenty was more than just Rihanna’s father. He was the dad of six children in total, including Rihanna and her brothers, Rorrey and Rajad. The other three children came from previous relationships.
Though his relationship with Rihanna had its share of public issues, Ronald expressed pride in her success and in his growing family. He had spoken warmly about becoming a grandfather and how thrilled he was to see Rihanna step into motherhood. In a previous interview, he admired her for being hands-on and loving with her children.
Rihanna’s Silence Speaks Volumes
As of now, Rihanna hasn’t made any public statement about her father’s passing. That silence is understandable. She’s juggling the excitement and demands of growing her family—she and A$AP Rocky recently confirmed they’re expecting baby number three—and now, the grief of losing a parent.
At the recent 2025 Met Gala, Rihanna surprised fans by revealing her pregnancy in a stunning, figure-hugging gown. She joked about “bringing the kid—or kids,” a playful moment that had fans speculating about twins. The event was filled with joy and excitement, a stark contrast to the sorrow that now shadows her personal life.
Sources close to the singer say she’s taking time to grieve in private, surrounded by close family and friends. It’s a moment where joy and loss are colliding—a new chapter of life beginning just as another closes.
A Moment of Reflection for Fans
The news has sparked heartfelt messages from fans across the world, many of whom have followed Rihanna’s personal story as closely as her music and business ventures. Her journey has always been marked by resilience, independence, and honesty about life’s challenges. The passing of Ronald Fenty adds another layer to that journey.
As Rihanna navigates this difficult time, she’s once again reminding us that even the biggest stars carry the weight of real-life grief, just like everyone else.
