Rihanna is mourning the loss of her father, Ronald Fenty, who passed away at age 70 after a short illness.
The Barbadian singer and global fashion mogul reportedly lost her father on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Los Angeles. According to Page Six and People, Ronald Fenty died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, surrounded by family, including Rihanna’s brother Rajad Fenty. Though Rihanna has not made a public statement yet, she was believed to be nearby at the time.
A Complicated Yet Loving Father-Daughter Bond
Rihanna’s relationship with her father was complicated but filled with moments of reconciliation. In 2019, the superstar sued Ronald Fenty for allegedly exploiting her name to promote his business, Fenty Entertainment. The lawsuit was eventually dropped in 2021, and the two were believed to have mended their relationship in the years that followed.
Ronald had publicly praised Rihanna for her role as a mother, calling her “a great mom” to her son RZA, whom she shares with rapper A$AP Rocky. He also revealed that Rihanna had visited Barbados with her son multiple times, strengthening their family ties.
Ronald Fenty’s Death Comes Amid Rihanna’s Third Pregnancy
The heartbreaking news comes just weeks after Rihanna confirmed she is expecting her third child. The singer and entrepreneur recently debuted her baby bump, sparking excitement across the entertainment world.
Now, as she navigates this new chapter of motherhood, she faces the emotional weight of losing a parent.
Who Was Ronald Fenty?
Ronald Fenty was a Barbadian businessman and father of six, best known publicly as the father of Rihanna. Before his daughter’s rise to fame, he worked in the fashion and warehouse sectors. Though he often kept a low profile, he occasionally gave interviews about Rihanna and expressed pride in her global success.
He is survived by his children, including Rihanna, and multiple grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
