Tributes have been paid following news that Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, has died aged 70.
News of his passing was first reported by a local radio station in Barbados called Starcom Network News. An exact cause of death has not been revealed, although it is said to be related to a “brief illness” the 70-year-old had.
Rihanna has not yet publicly commented on her father’s passing, and Page Six has reported that she may have been to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Wednesday (May 28) to visit him alongside her brother Rajad Fenty.
Tributes have been paid for Fenty since news of his passing broke. One of which has come from the Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who described him as a “beloved national hero”.
“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,” Mottley said.
“Ronald was a father, a friend, a neighbour, and a proud Barbadian. Indeed, his path, like so many in our community, was not without struggle, but it was also one marked by love, growth, and a deep connection to the people and place that shaped him.
“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.”
Rihanna fan accounts have also paid their respects to Fenty across social media. “Sending love and prayers to Rihanna and her family,” one wrote, while another added: “Love, condolences and PRAYERS to Rihanna and her family as her father Ronald Fenty unfortunately passed away today at the age of 70.”
Find more tributes below.
Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, passed away 💔
Sending love and prayers to Rihanna and her family 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/zVIOgnOH8J
— Fenty Headlines (@FentyHeadlines) May 31, 2025
All the Barbz are sending their love, condolences and PRAYERS to Rihanna and her family as her father Ronald Fenty unfortunately passed away today at the age of 70. 💔🕊️@Rihanna and the navy, please remember that God is always with you. 🙏🏼 In Jesus name we pray for your peace. pic.twitter.com/LJoUuz3s26
— david 💋 (fan account) (@romansverses) May 31, 2025
All my love and respect for you Rihanna 🤍
-RIP Ronald Fenty 🤍🕊️pic.twitter.com/0qagofmnoM— Badgal ☈odo (@badgalrodo) May 31, 2025
Prayers to Rih ❤️ As someone who also lost someone a while ago, I know that money can’t buy everything… but sometimes, its still so crazy to realize that even a billionaire can’t buy life. When its time, it’s time. Rest in Peace.
— 𓃭 LOEWE Lioness (@GgV0gue) May 31, 2025
The ‘Diamonds’ singer had a tumultuous relationship with her father over the years, particularly after his split from her mother Monica Braithwaite and his alleged struggles with alcohol (via Independent).
In 2011, for instance, Rihanna told Vogue that their relationship was “strange” and made reference to how, in 2009, Fenty sold information to the press that she had been assaulted by her former boyfriend Chris Brown.
In 2019, she also filed a lawsuit against Fenty and accused him of ignoring various requests to not conduct business on her behalf, although she would later drop the case.
Fenty publicly praised his daughter in 2022 when she announced news that she would be having a baby with A$AP Rocky. Speaking to Page Six, he said: “I’m so happy that I jumped for joy. I’m still so excited. Rihanna always said that she wanted children, she loves kids. She always takes care of her cousins’ kids… she’s going to be a good mom.”
The singer has since announced her third pregnancy with A$AP Rocky.
