Ronald Fenty, the father of global music icon and beauty mogul Rihanna, has passed away at 70 after a short illness.
According to a report from Barbados-based Starcom Network News, Fenty died early Saturday morning in Los Angeles. Rihanna and her younger brother, Rajad, were reportedly at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center during his final moments.
Though their journey as father and daughter was not without its challenges, the two eventually found common ground after years of turbulence. Ronald battled substance dependency, and his separation from Rihanna’s mother, Monica Braithwaite, when the singer was 14, caused further emotional distance. In 2019, their relationship took a hit once more after legal tensions arose surrounding accusations that Ronald misused his daughter’s name. Despite those issues, the two later reconnected and found peace.
Ronald spoke proudly about Rihanna’s transition into motherhood, especially after the birth of her son RZA in 2022. “I couldn’t be happier. I am so proud. She’s doing a great job,” he said at the time, expressing heartfelt admiration for her dedication to raising her child.