Rihanna Mourns the Loss of Her Father, Ronald Fenty, at 70

Ronald Fenty, father of global music icon Rihanna, has passed away at the age of 70 following a brief illness in Los Angeles.

Barbados-based Starcom Network first reported the news, and it was later confirmed by multiple outlets, including PEOPLE and E! News. Family members, including Rihanna and her brother Rajad Fenty, were reportedly present at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center during his final moments.

A Complex Father-Daughter Relationship

Born in Barbados, Ronald Fenty had a multifaceted relationship with his daughter, Rihanna. During her childhood, she faced challenges due to her father’s struggles with addiction and instances of domestic violence. Despite these difficulties, Rihanna spoke about her journey to reconcile with her father in a 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey, stating, “I was so angry at him… And I was able to close that gap with him.”

In 2019, Rihanna filed a lawsuit against Ronald Fenty, accusing him of misusing her name and brand for his entertainment company. The lawsuit was dropped in 2021, indicating a possible reconciliation between the two.

Support from A$AP Rocky and Family

Rihanna, who is currently expecting her third child with partner A$AP Rocky, has been receiving support from her family during this challenging time. A$AP Rocky reportedly traveled to be by her side following the news of her father’s passing. The couple, who have two sons together, RZA and Riot, had recently attended the 2025 Met Gala, where Rihanna confirmed her pregnancy.

Ronald Fenty’s Legacy

Ronald Fenty is survived by his children: Rihanna, Rorrey, Rajad, and three other children from previous relationships. Despite past challenges, he expressed pride in Rihanna’s accomplishments and his role as a grandfather. His passing marks a significant moment in Rihanna’s life, as she navigates personal loss while preparing to welcome a new addition to her family.

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