Rihanna Caught in Big Pain As She Mourns the Loss of Her Father, Ronald Fenty, at 70
Global music icon Rihanna is grieving the loss of her father, Ronald Fenty, who passed away at 70 in Los Angeles on May 31, 2025, following a brief illness.
The news, first reported by Barbados-based Starcom Network, has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans worldwide.
While the official cause of death remains undisclosed, sources confirmed that Fenty was surrounded by family, including Rihanna and her younger brother Rajad Fenty, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center during his final moments.
TMZ reported that Rajad was photographed arriving at the hospital on May 28, with Rihanna believed to be in the vehicle, though not visible in images.
Born in 1954 in Barbados, Ronald Fenty was a warehouse supervisor and father of six, including Rihanna (born Robyn Rihanna Fenty), Rajad, and Rorrey, from his marriage to Monica Braithwaite, which ended in divorce in 2002.
He also had three children—Samantha, Kandy, and Jamie—from previous relationships. Raised in Bridgetown, Barbados, in a modest bungalow on what is now Rihanna Drive, Rihanna’s early life was shaped by her father’s encouragement of her musical talents, despite their complex relationship.
Ronald’s struggles with alcohol and crack cocaine addiction, including incidents of domestic abuse toward Monica, strained family dynamics, particularly during Rihanna’s childhood.
Rihanna, now 37 and expecting her third child with partner A$AP Rocky, has spoken candidly about her tumultuous bond with her father.
In a 2011 Vogue interview, she described the pain of his actions, saying, “You grow up with your father… and then he does something so bizarre that I can’t begin to wrap my mind around it.”
A notable low point came in 2009 when Ronald spoke to the media without her consent after her assault by then-boyfriend Chris Brown, deepening their rift.
Yet, moments of reconciliation followed, with Rihanna telling Oprah Winfrey in 2012 that she had “repaired” their relationship, praising him as “one of the best fathers” despite his flaws.
Tensions resurfaced in 2019 when Rihanna sued Ronald, alleging he misused her name through Fenty Entertainment, falsely posing as her manager to solicit business.
The lawsuit was dropped in 2021, suggesting a resolution. More recently, Ronald expressed joy over Rihanna’s growing family, telling TMZ in 2023 that he was “over the moon” about her second pregnancy and hoped to be involved with his grandchildren.
Fans online have shared mixed sentiments, reflecting the complexity of Ronald’s legacy. One user wrote, “My heart goes out to Rihanna & the Fenty family,” while others noted his troubled past but offered condolences, with one stating, “You can mourn someone and still be angry at what they did.”
