Fans around the world learned that Ronald Fenty, the father of music and fashion icon Rihanna, has passed away at the age of 70.
The news, first shared by TMZ and later confirmed by PEOPLE, has sparked an outpouring of love and sympathy for the Fenty family.
Ronald died in Los Angeles after a short illness.
While the exact cause of death hasn’t been shared, the loss comes at a deeply emotional time, as Rihanna is currently expecting her third child with A$AP Rocky.
Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna had a difficult childhood.
Her father, Ronald, struggled with addiction, which took a toll on the family.
She has spoken openly about how she witnessed and even tried to stop his abuse toward her mother, Monica Braithwaite. These early traumas left a lasting mark on Rihanna’s life.
Despite their troubled past, Rihanna and her father made efforts to reconnect over the years.
A touching moment was shared in a 2023 interview with TMZ, where Ronald expressed his pride in his daughter and his excitement about being a grandfather. It was a rare, hopeful glimpse into their journey of healing.
A recent post on X touched hearts everywhere.
The post included two powerful photos of Rihanna with her dad.
Photos below;
One was an old picture of a young Rihanna smiling beside Ronald in a blue tank top.
The other, more recent one, showed them laughing together, proof of the bond they had worked hard to rebuild. On May 31, the tribute went viral, with fans filling the comments with messages like, “Sending love and prayers to Rihanna and her family 🙏🏻.”
Rihanna’s Father, Ronald Fenty
Rihanna’s relationship with Ronald wasn’t without tension. In 2019, she filed a lawsuit against him for using the “Fenty” name without permission.
But even after everything, she showed compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic by sending him a ventilator when he fell ill—something he credited with saving his life.
Their story is one of pain, growth, forgiveness, and love.
Rihanna was reportedly by her father’s side, along with her brother Rajad Fenty, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles around May 28, just days before his death.
As she navigates grief while preparing to welcome a new life, fans are rallying behind her.
Hashtags like #RIPRonaldFenty are trending, with supporters offering comfort from every corner of the globe.
Ronald Fenty’s passing closes a chapter in Rihanna’s life, but his presence remains part of her journey.
From her chart-topping hits to her billion-dollar Fenty brand, Rihanna’s strength and resilience continue to inspire.
As the world mourns with her, we honor the man who helped shape one of the most influential artists of our time.