Ronald Fenty, the father of global music superstar Rihanna, has died at the age of 70 in Los Angeles after battling an undisclosed illness. According to sources close to the family, Rihanna and her younger brother, Rajad Fenty, were seen at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center earlier this week, where Ronald passed away.
Ronald and Rihanna had a complex relationship over the years, marked by estrangement and eventual reconciliation. In a 2023 interview, Ronald expressed his joy over Rihanna’s second pregnancy with A$AP Rocky and his hopes of being involved in his grandchildren’s lives.
Ronald Fenty shared three children—Rihanna, Rajad, and Rorrey—with his ex-wife, Monica Braithwaite. The couple divorced in 2002, just as Rihanna’s music career was beginning to take off.
The Fenty family has not released an official statement, but tributes and condolences have begun pouring in from fans and friends around the world.