A Heartbreaking Loss:
The world woke up to heartbreaking news on May 31, 2025, as reports confirmed that Ronald Fenty, father of global superstar Rihanna, passed away at the age of 70 in Los Angeles following a brief illness. The news, first shared by Barbados-based Starcom Network News and later verified by outlets like PEOPLE and TMZ, has left fans sending love and condolences to Rihanna and her family during this difficult time.
A Father’s Role in Rihanna’s Life:
Ronald Fenty’s passing marks the end of a complex and deeply personal chapter in Rihanna’s life. Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in 1988 in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihana grew up in a modest bungalow in Bridgetown alongside her parents, Ronald and Monica Braithwaite, and her two younger brothers, Rorrey and Rajad. Ronald also had three other children—Samantha, Kandy, and Jamie—from previous relationships. The family’s story, like many, was filled with love, challenges, and moments of reconciliation.
A Complicated Bond:
Rihanna’s relationship with her father was anything but simple. Ronald struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, which strained his marriage to Monica and led to their divorce in 2002 when Rihana was just 14. Rihana has been open about the impact of her father’s struggles, recalling in a 2011 Vogue interview how his actions sometimes felt “really strange.” She spoke of the confusion and hurt she felt when Ronald spoke to the media without her consent after her 2009 assault by then-boyfriend Chris Brown, saying, “You grow up with your father, you know him, you are a part of him, for goodness’ sakes! And then he does something so bizarre that I can’t begin to wrap my mind around it.”
Moments of Healing:
Despite these challenges, there were moments of healing. In a 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Rihana shared that she had worked to repair her relationship with her father, acknowledging his flaws but also his strengths as a parent. “He taught me everything, and as awful as he was to my mom at times, it didn’t compare to how great he was as a father,” she said. This sentiment reflected a daughter’s effort to find peace with a complicated past.
Challenges and Reconciliation:
Their bond faced further tests, notably in 2019 when Rihanna sued Ronald for allegedly misusing her name to promote his company, Fenty Entertainment, by posing as her manager. The lawsuit, which claimed he falsely represented her brand, was dropped in 2021 just before trial, hinting at a possible reconciliation. In 2020, Rihanna’s compassion shone through when she sent a ventilator to Barbados to support her father during his battle with COVID-19, a gesture that spoke volumes about their enduring connection despite past tensions.
A Proud Father:
Ronald was a proud father, often sharing his joy over Rihanna’s achievements and growing family. When Rihanna announced her first pregnancy with A$AP Rocky in 2022, Ronald told Page Six he was “ecstatic,” saying, “Rihanna always said that she wanted children, she loves kids. She’s going to be a good mom.” His excitement continued with the news of her second child, and though it’s unclear if he knew about her third pregnancy—announced at the 2025 Met Gala—his love for his daughter and her family was evident.
A Family in Mourning:
Rihanna, now 37 and expecting her third child with A$AP Rocky, has not yet publicly addressed her father’s passing. Photos obtained by TMZ and Page Six showed her brother Rajad arriving at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on May 28, with reports suggesting Rihanna was also present, likely by her father’s side in his final moments. The family is said to be gathering in California to honor Ronald’s life, a testament to the ties that bind even through hardship.
Rihanna’s Strength and Legacy:
As fans, it’s hard to imagine what Rihanna is going through, especially as she navigates this loss while preparing to welcome a new life. Losing a parent is never easy, and the complexity of their relationship only adds to the weight of this moment. Yet Rihanna’s strength—seen in her music, her business empire, and her role as a mother—reminds us that she’ll carry forward with grace, supported by her partner, her children, RZA and Riot, and her global community of fans.
Sending Love and Support:
Our hearts go out to Rihanna, her brothers, and the entire Fenty family. Ronald’s life, with all its imperfections, was part of the story that shaped one of the world’s most iconic artists. May he rest in peace, and may Rihanna find comfort in the love and memories they shared.
If you or someone you know is grieving, know that you’re not alone. Reach out to loved ones or seek support—it’s okay to feel the weight of loss and to take time to heal.
Table of Contents
How old was Ronald Fenty at the time of his passing?
Ronald Fenty was 70 years old when he passed away.
When and where did Ronald Fenty pass away?
Ronald Fenty passed away on May 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, following a brief illness, as reported by Barbados-based Starcom Network News and verified by outlets like PEOPLE and TMZ.
Who else was affected by Ronald Fenty’s passing?
Ronald Fenty is survived by his children, including Rihanna, her brothers Rorrey and Rajad, and his other children from previous relationships, Samantha, Kandy, and Jamie. The family is reportedly gathering in California to honor his life.
