Ronald Fenty, the father of pop icon Rihanna, has died at the age of 70. The Fenty family confirmed that Ronald passed away in Los Angeles this week after a brief illness. According to local reports in Barbados (Rihanna’s homeland), he was surrounded by family in his final moments. Rihanna, who is currently pregnant and expecting her third child, has not yet publicly commented on her father’s death, but fans and public figures are offering condolences from all corners of the globe. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley paid tribute with a heartfelt statement, honoring Ronald Fenty as “a son of Barbadian soil, whose life story reflected the resilience and spirit of our nation.” Mottley extended sympathies “to our beloved National Hero, the Right Excellent Robyn Rihanna Fenty, on the passing of her father” and to all of the Fenty family, praising Ronald’s love for his community despite life’s struggles.
Ronald Fenty was known to the public largely through his famous daughter’s eyes – Rihanna (born Robyn Fenty) often spoke of her complicated but loving relationship with her dad. He worked as a warehouse supervisor in Barbados during Rihanna’s childhood, and the singer has credited him with introducing her to reggae music and some of her early artistic influences. However, Ronald also battled personal challenges, including alcoholism, which at times strained their relationship. In recent years, father and daughter appeared to reconcile and share special moments; he was photographed proudly by Rihanna’s side at events like the 2012 Grammy Awards.
News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of support for Rihanna, who was named a National Hero of Barbados in 2021. Many fans recalled how Ronald Fenty would affectionately call his daughter by her nickname “Robyn” and cheered her on from afar as her career skyrocketed. While the family has asked for privacy, tributes have highlighted Ronald’s role not just as “Rihanna’s dad,” but as a friend and neighbor in his Barbados community. Prime Minister Mottley’s message noted that “his journey here on earth touched many lives” and spoke of a man “marked by love, growth, and a deep connection to the people and place that shaped him.” As Barbados and Rihanna’s global fanbase mourn together, plans for a memorial or funeral have yet to be announced. Ronald Fenty’s legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren – and, of course, through the superstar daughter who carries the Fenty name onto the world stage.
