Rihanna's father Ronald Fenty dies at 70 in Los Angeles after brief illness
Ronald Fenty, father of Rihanna, passed away in Los Angeles; cause of death not yet disclosed.
Ronald Fenty, father of global pop superstar Rihanna, has died at the age of seventy. The news was confirmed by outlets including the Starcom Network in Barbados, and later by PEOPLE. Fenty is said to have died in Los Angeles following a short illness, but no official cause or exact date has been shared at this time.
According to media reports, family members were present when Fenty died. Rihanna's younger brother, Rajad Fenty, was photographed arriving at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on May 28, and reportedly with Rihanna.
Family ties and complex relationship
Rihanna's parents, Ronald Fenty and Monica Braithwaite, had three children together: Rihanna, Rajad, and Rorrey. In addition, Rihanna has three other half-siblings from her father's previous relationships. The family lived in Bridgetown, Barbados, until she moved to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a musical career. The street where they lived has since changed its name to Rihanna Drive.
Rihanna's relationship with her father included not only a reunion but also some tussles in the courts. In 2009, following Rihanna's assault by Chris Brown, Fenty reportedly spoke publicly without Rihanna's permission. In a Vogue article, Rihanna elaborated on her difficulty in digesting what had occurred. However, this relationship was later repaired and in 2019 she filed a suit against him for alleged exploitation of her brand name.
Rihanna's father, Ronald Fenty, died at the age of 70. Photo: People.com
No official comment from Rihanna yet
As of May 31, representatives for Rihanna have not made contact regarding any official statement regarding her father's death. The singer-songwriter, who is expecting her third baby with her partner A$AP Rocky, has opted for privacy about personal family matters during the past several years.
Ronald Fenty's death concludes the strained and very public family relationship. More information forthcoming including time and place for services or official causes.
