Global music icon Rihanna is mourning the loss of her father, Ronald Fenty, who passed away at the age of 70 in Los Angeles following a brief illness. The exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Fans worldwide have flooded social media with heartfelt condolences and support for the singer during this difficult time.
According to Barbados’ Starcom Network News, Ronald Fenty died early Saturday morning. A Barbadian native and father of six, he had long battled substance abuse and faced a turbulent relationship with Rihanna’s mother, Monica Braithwaite, from whom he separated when Rihanna was just 14.
Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has spoken openly over the years about her complicated and often painful relationship with her father. She called their bond “really strange,” recalling, “That’s the only word I can think of to describe it because you grow up with your father … you are a part of him for goodness sakes!”
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012, Rihanna told, “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. And I had to come to terms with that, and I was able to close that gap with him.”
Fans have expressed their sympathy and sent condolences to Rihanna on social media. One heartfelt tweet read, “It warms my heart to know Rihanna was able to heal and repair her relationship with her father… despite anything, she loved her father and he loved his children. Love that for her! We love you Rih!”
It warms my heart to know Rihanna was able to heal and repair her relationship with her father… despite anything, she loved her father and he loved his children. love that for her! we love you Rih! 🥰 pic.twitter.com/7748ZIFwI9
— Fentyᵍᵃⁿᵍ (@ilovefentypuss) May 31, 2025
Another fan wrote, “Rihanna’s father dead at 70. They may have had a Rocky relationship but they still loved each other.”
Rihanna’s father dead at 70.
— Nostalgic Rihanna ⚓️ (@RiriNostalgia) May 31, 2025
They may have had a Rocky relationship but they still loved each other pic.twitter.com/8cetRmf6VU
Many have sent their condolences to the family, “We are so sorry for your loss, sending our love and prayers to Rihanna and her family.”
We are so sorry for your lose, sending our love and prayers to Rihanna and her family 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/UOB1BXGLMm
— hourly rihanna (@rihannahourlyy) May 31, 2025
Rihanna took a legal action against her father in 2019, saying he used her name without permission to promote his company, Fenty Entertainment but the case ended in 2021, and they made peace afterward.
This loss comes as Rihanna is expecting her third child with rapper A$AP Rocky.
