Ronald Fenty, Rihanna's Father, Dead At 70
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has confirmed that Rihanna's father, Ronald Fenty, has passed away in Los Angeles after battling an unspecified illness. He was 70.
Mottley took to Instagram on Saturday (May 31) to honor Fenty's life and legacy, calling him a 'son of Barbadian soil, whose life story reflected the resilience and spirit of our nation.'
In a heartfelt tribute, she praised not only the role he played in raising Rihanna, but also his deeper connection to the Bajan community. 'While he may be known for playing a significant role in shaping the woman our National Hero Rihanna has become, the truth is that his journey here on earth has touched many more lives.'
According to TMZ, Rihanna's brother Rajad was seen entering Cedars-Sinai Medical Center earlier this week, possibly accompanied by the 'Lift Me Up' singer.
'To Rihanna, her mother Monica, her brothers Rorrey, Rajad and Jamie, sisters Kandy and Samantha, and all members of the Fenty family, I offer my deepest sympathies. I equally extend my condolences to Ronald's friends and loved ones, both here in Barbados and abroad,' Mottley's post continued.
'In this time of mourning, we stand united with the Fenty family, offering our prayers and support. May his spirit rest in eternal peace, and may all who loved him find comfort in that love and the memories they were blessed to have shared.'
Ronald Fenty's relationship with Rihanna wasn't always the smoothest. In 2019, she filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of using her trademarked name 'Fenty' to promote his own entertainment ventures. That legal battle was put to rest in 2021 when she filed to have the suit dismissed. The two, however, clearly smoothed over the rift as he shared with TMZ in 2023, that he was 'over the moon' about Rihanna becoming a mother for the second time.
Fenty is survived by his three children with Rihanna's mother, Monica Braithwaite: Rihanna, Rajad, and Rorrey, and three other children from previous relationships.
Rihanna has not spoken publicly on the passing of her father as of publication.
VIBE sends condolences to Rihanna and her family at this time.
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