Ronald Fenty, the father of global music superstar Rihanna, has died at the age of 70. According to Starcom Network, which first reported the news, he passed away in Los Angeles after a brief illness. Although the official cause and exact date of his death have not been publicly confirmed, sources indicated that Fenty’s family was by his side at the time.
Rihanna’s Complex Relationship With Her Father Began In Childhood And Faced Public Strains
Ronald Fenty was the father of Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in February 1988, as well as her brother Rajad and another sibling, Rorrey. He also had three half-siblings from previous relationships. Raised primarily in Bridgetown, Barbados, Fenty and Rihanna’s mother, Monica Braithwaite, separated when Rihanna was young and divorced in 2002. Rihanna lived in Barbados until she was 16, growing up in a bungalow on a street now named Rihanna Drive.
Ronald Fenty, Rihanna’s Father, Dies at 70 After Illness in Los AngelesRihanna’s relationship with her father was complex and sometimes strained. After the 2009 assault incident involving Rihanna’s then-boyfriend Chris Brown, Fenty spoke publicly about it without Rihanna’s consent, which she described as a bizarre and difficult situation. Although Rihanna said they repaired their relationship by 2010, tensions persisted in later years.
Rihanna Sued Father For Exploitation, Then Withdrew Case, Signaling Possible Reconciliation
In 2019, Rihanna sued her father for allegedly exploiting her name for financial gain through a talent company he founded called Fenty Entertainment. She accused him of misrepresenting himself as her manager to solicit clients. However, just before the lawsuit went to trial in 2021, Rihanna withdrew the case, signaling some form of resolution or reconciliation.
Today, Rihanna is a celebrated artist, entrepreneur, and mother of two young sons with A$AP Rocky. She is currently pregnant with her third child. Ronald Fenty’s passing marks a significant moment for the family and fans worldwide, as they remember the man behind one of the world’s most influential music icons.