Ronald Fenty, the father of global music icon and entrepreneur Rihanna, has passed away at the age of 70. He died in Los Angeles following a brief illness, with close family members by his side, including Rihanna and her younger brother Rajad Fenty. The news, first reported by Barbados’ Starcom Network, was later confirmed by reputable outlets including PEOPLE and TMZ.
Ronald Fenty and Rihanna shared a complex and often public relationship. A former warehouse supervisor and fashion designer from Barbados, Ronald played a formative role in Rihanna’s early life. However, their bond was marred by his struggles with substance abuse and the breakdown of his marriage to Rihanna’s mother, Monica Braithwaite, when Rihanna was a teenager. The singer has spoken candidly about witnessing domestic abuse and facing hardships during her upbringing.
In recent years, the two made efforts to reconcile despite past tensions, including a 2019 legal battle in which Rihanna accused her father of misusing her name for commercial purposes. Ronald later expressed pride in his daughter’s success and spoke warmly about her growing family, including his joy in being a grandfather to her children with partner A$AP Rocky. He was reportedly deeply touched by Rihanna’s commitment to motherhood.
As of now, Rihanna has not made a public statement regarding her father’s death. Sources close to the family have indicated she is grieving privately while also preparing for the arrival of her third child. The loss marks another emotional chapter in the life of the star, who has often credited her upbringing in Barbados and her complicated relationship with her father as key influences on her music and resilience.
