Ronald Fenty Dies in Los Angeles at Age 70
*Ronald Fenty, father of global superstar Rihanna, has passed away at the age of 70 after a brief illness. The news was confirmed today (05-31-25), with reports stating he died in Los Angeles at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center surrounded by family, including Rihanna and her younger brother Rajad.
Though the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, multiple sources confirm the family had gathered in California to be with him during his final days. Rihanna, currently pregnant with her third child with partner A$AP Rocky, has not made a public statement.
A Complex Father-Daughter Relationship Marked by Pain and Healing
Born in 1954 in Barbados, Ronald Fenty was a warehouse supervisor and father to six children, including Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in 1988. His marriage to Monica Braithwaite ended in 2002, after years of tension rooted in Fenty’s struggles with crack cocaine and alcohol abuse.
Rihanna has spoken about witnessing abuse in her household as a child. In a 2009 interview, she revealed, “He used to beat my mom. I was so angry with him.” Despite these traumas, she later attempted to rebuild their relationship, funding his rehab in 2013 and describing him as “probably one of the best fathers in the world.”
Estrangement, Lawsuits, and Public Clashes
Their rocky history played out publicly over the years. In 2008, Ronald was kicked off Rihanna’s tour for drunken behavior. In 2019, she sued him for launching “Fenty Entertainment,” accusing him of misusing her trademark and impersonating her agent. The case was settled in 2021.
Rihanna often kept her distance, especially after he spoke to the press without her consent following her assault by Chris Brown in 2009. However, in moments of peace, she emphasized that despite their personal drama, “He was always my dad, and I still love him.”
Recent Years Showed Signs of Peace and Reconnection
By 2022, Ronald Fenty was publicly supportive of Rihanna’s growing family, expressing joy over her pregnancies. After her Super Bowl performance in 2023 revealed her second baby bump, he told TMZ he was “over the moon” and hoped for a granddaughter. These softening moments hinted at a fragile but healing relationship.
Though their past was fraught, recent interactions suggested some resolution before his passing. Sources say Rihanna was with him at the hospital in his final days, prioritizing family despite old wounds.
Public Reaction: Sympathy, Sadness, and Some Controversy
Online reactions to Ronald’s death have been emotional and varied. One fan posted on X, “My heart goes out to Rihanna & the entire Fenty family, I can’t imagine losing my father while pregnant.” Others were less sympathetic, referencing his history of abuse and addiction. Still, many offered condolences, recognizing the emotional complexity Rihanna may face. As one Reddit user noted, “You can mourn someone and still be angry at what they did.”
Legacy: Complicated Yet Unforgettable
Ronald Fenty played a significant role in Rihanna’s early life and music interest, even if their bond was deeply flawed. From humble roots in Bridgetown to global superstardom, Rihanna’s journey has always been tied to her Caribbean heritage — and the complicated figure of her father.
As the family remains private about memorial plans, the world watches with respect and curiosity. For Rihanna, the moment is bittersweet: mourning a man who shaped her life while preparing to welcome new life into the world.
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