Rihanna’s father Ronald Fenty died at the age of 70 following a brief illness in Los Angeles, leaving fans stunned and the global superstar mourning the loss of a deeply complex relationship. While the exact cause and date of his death have not been publicly confirmed, sources close to the family reveal that Rihanna and her siblings were by his side during his final moments. Reports indicate that he had been receiving care at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the days leading up to his passing.
Rihanna’s Father Ronald Fenty Died at 70
Born and raised in Barbados, Ronald Fenty was a central — and often controversial — figure in Rihanna’s life. Their father-daughter relationship was marked by emotional turbulence, public disputes, and legal battles. Despite their strained past, Rihanna had worked to reconcile with him in recent years, and the two had reportedly reconnected on more peaceful terms before his death.
Fenty’s struggle with substance abuse and addiction cast a long shadow over Rihanna’s childhood. She has spoken openly in interviews about the challenges she faced growing up, including the eventual separation of her parents when she was just 14. Their relationship took further hits after the 2009 assault incident involving Chris Brown, when Ronald Fenty spoke to the media without Rihanna’s consent — something she described as “strange” and “hurtful.”
In 2019, their fractured relationship made headlines again when Rihanna filed a lawsuit against her father for allegedly misusing her name and brand in business ventures. The lawsuit, which created significant tension, was eventually dropped in 2021, signaling a step toward reconciliation.
At the time of his passing, Ronald Fenty was survived by his daughter Rihanna, her mother Monica Braithwaite, her brothers Rajad and Rorrey, and three other children from previous relationships. Though the medical specifics remain undisclosed, the phrase “brief illness” suggests a rapid and possibly unexpected decline in his health.
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Fans around the world are now reflecting not just on the loss, but on the difficult — and ultimately human — bond between a superstar and her father. Rihanna has yet to release an official statement, but those close to the family say she is devastated by the loss.
As tributes pour in from Barbados and beyond, Rihanna’s father Ronald Fenty’s death closes a complex chapter in her life — one filled with pain, healing, and an unfinished journey of family ties.