Ronald Fenty, father of global superstar Rihanna, has died at 70 in Los Angeles. His death, confirmed by multiple outlets including TMZ and PEOPLE, followed a brief illness, according to Starcom Network.
Fenty’s family, including his son Rajad, gathered at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on May 28. Photos showed Rajad arriving at the hospital, with reports indicating Rihanna, pregnant with her third child, was also present.
Fenty raised Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, along with her brothers Rajad and Rorrey, in Bridgetown, Barbados. The family lived on a street that was later renamed Rihanna Drive, a nod to the pop icon’s global impact.
Fenty’s relationship with Rihanna had its share of drama. In 2009, after Rihanna’s assault by Chris Brown, Fenty spoke to the media without her consent. Rihanna later told Vogue the move left her stunned. “You grow up with your father… then he does something so bizarre,” she said.
In 2012, Rihanna told Oprah she and her dad patched things up. However, they clashed again in 2019 when she sued him, accusing him of misusing her name for his talent company, Fenty Entertainment. She dropped the lawsuit in 2021, paving the way for a reconciliation.
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Before his passing, Ronald Fenty expressed joy at Rihanna’s growing family, calling her an “overprotective mother.” He said he was “thrilled” to be part of his grandchildren’s lives.
Ronald Fenty’s death leaves a complicated legacy. He shared three children: Rihanna, Rajad, and Rorrey with his ex-wife Monica Braithwaite. He also had three other children from previous relationships: Samantha, Kandy, and Jamie.
With his family by his side during his last moments, Papa Fenty’s last moment might have been his best.