Rihanna and Ronald Fenty in April 2006.
The world joins Rihanna in grief following the passing of her father, Ronald Fenty, who died at the age of 70. The news was confirmed by PEOPLE, with reports attributing his sudden passing in Los Angeles to a brief illness.
Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in February 1988 to Ronald Fenty and Monica Braithwaite, is said to have been by her father’s side during his final days. A Barbados-based outlet, Starcom Network, first reported his death, though the specific cause and date remain private.
On May 28, TMZ captured photos of Rihanna’s younger brother, Rajad Fenty, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, with indications that Rihanna herself may have also been present during that difficult time. When PEOPLE reached out for comment, her team did not immediately respond.
Ronald Fenty leaves behind a blended family of seven children, including Rihanna, Rajad, and Rorrey. He also fathered three children from previous relationships: Samantha, Kandy, and Jamie.
Ronald and Monica raised their children in Bridgetown, Barbados, within the modest home that now famously bears the name “Rihanna Drive” a symbol of the singer’s roots and the community that helped shape her. The couple eventually separated and officially divorced in 2002 when Rihanna was just 14 years old.
Despite moments of closeness, Rihanna’s relationship with her father was often complicated. In the aftermath of her highly publicized assault in 2009, Rihanna expressed frustration when Fenty made unsolicited public comments. “You grow up with your father, you know him, you are a part of him for goodness’ sake,” she told Vogue. “And then he does something so bizarre that I can’t begin to wrap my mind around it.”
She opened up further in a 2012 interview with Oprah, revealing that although she had begun repairing their relationship, it wasn’t without setbacks. One such moment came in 2019, when she filed a lawsuit accusing her father of exploiting her brand name through a company he called “Fenty Entertainment.” Rihanna claimed he misrepresented himself as her manager, misleading third parties for financial gain. Ultimately, she dropped the suit just three weeks before the trial was set to begin in 2021.
Today, Rihanna stands as a global icon, philanthropist, and mother to sons Rza, 2, and Riot, 1, with partner A$AP Rocky and is now preparing to welcome her third child. In the midst of personal triumphs and professional achievements, the loss of her father marks a moment of deep reflection and remembrance.
Ronald Fenty’s legacy lives on not just through his children, but through the stories, struggles, and growth that shaped one of music’s most influential stars.
