Fans are sending their thoughts and prayers to the Fenty family after learning that Rihanna‘s father, Ronald Fenty, has died. The news comes just weeks after the pop star announced that she was expecting her third child with ASAP Rocky.
Rihanna’s Father Dead at 70
Starcom Network News was the first to break the news. According to the Barbados radio station, Ronald Fenty passed away in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday morning. He was 70 years old at the time of his death. His unfortunate passing comes after he had battled a “brief illness.” The outlet didn’t elaborate on what type of sickness the Fenty patriarch had. Other details about his death are also still unknown. However, the radio station did say family members have “gathered in California” to honor his life.
According to TMZ, that includes Rihanna’s younger brother, Rajad Fenty. Earlier this week, he was seen arriving at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. It seems he had decided to visit Ronald when his illness had become more serious. Rihanna is said to have been with Rajad. However, there were no photos of her with her brother to confirm her visit.
Ronald Fenty was a loving father to six children. He and Monica Braithwaite share three children. The pair welcomed daughter Rihanna on Feb. 20, 1988. The following year, their son, Rorrey, was born on Nov. 13, 1989. Meanwhile, their youngest son, Rajad, arrived on April 15, 1996. Ronald also had three other children from previous relationships: daughters Samantha and Kandy and son Jamie.
A Bittersweet Time For the Fenty Family
Since Rihanna had several siblings growing up, it’s no surprise that she wants the same for her children. She and her long-term boyfriend, ASAP Rocky, share two children and are expecting a third. The couple welcomed their oldest son, RZA Athelston Mayers, on May 13, 2022. The baby’s name was kept a secret for a year before it was revealed through his birth certificate. After obtaining the document, People announced that Rihanna and ASAP Rocky had named their child after the leader of the Wu-Tang Clan, producer and rapper RZA, whose real name is Robert Fitzgerald Diggs.
Months after becoming first-time parents, Rihanna and ASAP Rocky announced they had a second child on the way. The singer shared the exciting news during her performance at Super Bowl LVII in February 2023. The couple’s second son, Riot Rose Mayers, was born that summer on Aug. 1.
Rihanna recently announced her third pregnancy by unveiling her baby bump at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5. She hasn’t said whether she and ASAP Rocky are expecting another boy or if they’re having their first girl. Rihanna also hasn’t disclosed her due date. However, fans predict she’ll give birth in late summer or early fall.
Considering she had shared such exciting news, fans are sad to hear about Rihanna’s father’s passing. “RIP Papa Riri,” one person said. “Sending her so much love,” another wrote.
