Ronald Fenty Dies at 70 After Private Health Battle
Sad news has touched the Fenty family as Ronald Fenty, Rihanna’s father, has passed away at 70. The family confirmed his death in Los Angeles after an illness kept private from the public.
TMZ broke the news on May 31, sharing that Rihanna’s brother, Rajad Fenty, was seen leaving Cedars-Sinai Medical Center days before. Though Rihanna was reportedly in the vehicle with her family, no photos of her visit surfaced.
A Complicated Father-Daughter Relationship
Ronald Fenty shared three children with ex-partner Monica Braithwaite. Their daughter, Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is the most well-known. The couple split in 2002 when Rihanna was just 14.
As Rihanna’s fame grew, the relationship between father and daughter became strained. They spent several years apart while she built her music and business empire. However, in recent years, they managed to reconnect and rebuild their bond.
Ronald’s Joy Over Rihanna’s Growing Family
Before his passing, Ronald Fenty often spoke proudly about Rihanna and her young family with rapper A$AP Rocky. The pair now share two sons, Riot and Rza, and are expecting another child.
“I’m so happy that I jumped for joy. I’m still so excited,” Ronald told Page Six in 2022. “Rihanna always said she wanted children; she loves kids. She takes care of her cousins’ kids… she’s going to be a good mom.”
Family Name, Business Success, and Past Tensions
Rihanna has built her career and brand around her family surname, Fenty. Today, her beauty line Fenty Beauty and lingerie brand Savage X Fenty are global leaders.
But their relationship wasn’t without struggle. In 2019, Rihanna sued her father for using their family name for unauthorized business deals. Although the legal battle made headlines, she later dropped the case, and they appeared to mend fences.
The Fenty Family Mourns and Moves Forward
The Fenty family now mourns the loss of its patriarch. Rihanna has not made a public statement yet about her father’s death. Supporters worldwide are sending love and condolences to the singer and her family.
Despite past challenges, the bond between them had grown in recent years. The loss reminds many of the importance of family, forgiveness, and healing old wounds.
