Pop superstar Rihanna is facing heartbreak after losing her father, Ronald Fenty, who passed away at age 70 in Los Angeles. The music icon’s family confirmed the devastating news on May 31, marking the end of a complex but ultimately loving relationship between father and daughter.
Ronald Fenty died from an undisclosed illness at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Sources close to the family revealed that both Rihanna and her brother Rajad were present during his final days. However, the family has maintained privacy during this difficult time.
Ronald Fenty’s Death Brings Family Together After Years of Healing
The Fenty patriarch’s passing represents the loss of a man who had worked hard to rebuild his relationship with his famous daughter. After years of estrangement, Ronald and Rihanna had reconciled in recent years. Their bond had grown stronger as she built her own family with rapper A$AP Rocky.
TMZ photographers captured Rihanna’s brother Rajad leaving the medical center days before the official announcement. Meanwhile, Rihanna herself was reportedly present but avoided public attention during the family’s private moments. The singer has not yet released a public statement about her father’s death.
The family’s grief comes at a time when they had been celebrating new beginnings together. Ronald had expressed pure joy about becoming a grandfather to Rihanna’s children. His excitement about his daughter’s growing family showed how far their relationship had come from earlier troubled times.
From Estrangement to Reconciliation: A Complex Father-Daughter Journey
Rihanna’s relationship with her father had been marked by significant challenges throughout her rise to fame. The family dynamics became strained when her parents, Ronald Fenty and Monica Braithwaite, divorced in 2002. At that time, Rihanna was just 14 years old and beginning to pursue her music dreams.
The split created lasting tensions that followed Rihanna into her successful career. As she became a global superstar in R&B and pop music, the distance between father and daughter seemed to grow. Their estrangement became more public as Rihanna’s fame increased worldwide.
However, recent years brought healing and forgiveness to the Fenty family. Both Ronald and Rihanna made conscious efforts to repair their bond. Their reconciliation allowed Ronald to witness his daughter’s evolution from pop star to successful businesswoman and devoted mother.
Ronald Fenty’s Joy Over Rihanna’s Growing Family with A$AP Rocky
The late grandfather had been thrilled about Rihanna’s journey into motherhood with her partner A$AP Rocky. The couple now has two sons, Riot and RZA, with another child expected soon. Ronald’s enthusiasm about his grandchildren showed his deep love for his daughter despite their past difficulties.
“I’m so happy that I jumped for joy. I’m still so excited,” Ronald told Page Six in 2022. His words revealed genuine pride in watching Rihanna embrace her role as a mother. He recognized her natural nurturing qualities from observing her interactions with family members over the years.
Ronald also praised Rihanna’s maternal instincts, noting how she had always cared for her cousins’ children. “Rihanna always said that she wanted children; she loves kids,” he explained. “She always takes care of her cousins’ kids… she’s going to be a good mom.” These comments proved prophetic as Rihanna has indeed become a devoted mother.
The Fenty Name: From Legal Disputes to Family Legacy
The Fenty surname carries significant meaning for both Rihanna’s business empire and family identity. Her major brands, Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, proudly bear the family name. These companies have become global successes, making the Fenty name synonymous with inclusive beauty and fashion.
However, the family name had previously caused legal tensions between father and daughter. In 2019, Rihanna sued her father over unauthorized use of the Fenty name for business dealings. The lawsuit alleged that Ronald was fraudulently using their family name for commercial purposes without permission.
Despite the legal conflict, Rihanna eventually dropped the case as part of their broader reconciliation. The resolution showed both parties’ commitment to healing their relationship. Now, the Fenty name represents not just business success but also family unity and forgiveness.
Rihanna’s Private Grief as Family Maintains Dignity During Loss
The Fenty family has chosen to grieve privately while processing their significant loss. Rihanna has not made any public statements about her father’s passing, respecting the family’s need for privacy. This approach reflects her desire to protect her children and loved ones during this emotional time.
Family members were spotted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the days leading up to Ronald’s death. Their presence showed the family’s commitment to supporting each other through difficult moments. The unity displayed during this crisis demonstrates how far the family has come from their earlier troubled times.
