June 1, 2025: Global music icon Rihanna is mourning the loss of her father, Ronald Fenty, who has passed away at the age of 70. The news, first reported by Barbados-based Starcom Network, has shocked fans around the world. According to sources, Fenty died in Los Angeles following a brief illness. While the exact cause and date of his passing have not been disclosed, his family was reportedly by his side during his final moments.
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Photos captured by paparazzi show Rihanna’s younger brother, Rajad Fenty, arriving at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles, with reports suggesting the singer herself was present but remained out of view.
A Complicated Father-Daughter Bond
Rihanna had a well-documented and complex relationship with her father. Ronald Fenty struggled with substance abuse during her childhood and eventually separated from Rihanna’s mother, Monica Braithwaite, when the singer was just 14 years old. The Grammy-winning artist has spoken openly in interviews about the emotional challenges tied to their relationship.
In a candid 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna reflected on her father’s duality, stating, “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.” She added that she had come to terms with their turbulent history and found peace in their bond.
However, that reconciliation was tested again in 2019 when Rihanna filed a lawsuit against Fenty, accusing him of exploiting her name and brand without consent through his company, Fenty Entertainment. The suit highlighted the ongoing strain between them, despite their previous efforts to mend their relationship.
Public Reaction
The news of Fenty’s passing has triggered an outpouring of condolences from fans and public figures alike. While Rihanna has yet to make an official statement, supporters have flooded social media with messages of sympathy and strength for the star during this personal loss.
As fans wait for Rihanna’s response, many have taken the time to revisit interviews and moments that captured the complicated, yet deeply human, relationship she shared with her father.