Rihanna hints at retirement, says 'God had other plans for me' as she claims music got enough attention

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Pop icon Rihanna sparked retirement rumors among her fans by expressing that "God had other plans" for her while speaking at an event in her home country in Barbados on Thursday, November 7.

According to Vibe, the 36-year-old has not had any new releases over the last few years and has kept her fans, known as 'Rihanna's Navy' waiting for her long-teased upcoming album, 'R9'. Her last full-length project, 'ANTI', was released in 2016 and included hits such as 'Work' featuring Drake, 'Kiss It Better', and 'Love On The Brain'.

Meanwhile, she has been busy managing her business empire with her brand Fenty Beauty, as well as raising her two children, RZA Athelson Mayers and Riot Rose Mayers, with A$AP Rocky.

Rihanna's speech that triggered the rumors

Rihanna was speaking at a Fenty Beauty event in Barbados when she stated, "Obviously music was the thing that got the attention, but God had other plans for me."

She reportedly proceeded to share that her business ventures were rooted in things that she genuinely wanted to pursue, saying, "And I was able to create in ways that were sincere and genuine and organic and authentic to the things that I loved. So it doesn’t even feel like a job. But when you bring it home…”

Barbados has been the biggest inspiration for her beauty brand, claimed Rihanna expressing her gratitude.

"Coming back home, where, the first place I ever met beauty, acknowledged beauty, was at my home here in Barbados,” said the singer. “You guys have always inspired me. Everything about my brand, Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin have been inspired by you and this country, my people, my family, my friends, my opps, I love all of you guys.”

Rihanna's speech keeps Internet guessing

Netizens reacting to Rihanna's speech on the social media platform X interpreted her remark about "other plans" to mean she was quitting music. The following tweets demonstrate the predominant takes.

"She tryna tell yall that she not releasing any music baby," wrote a user.

"Looks like Rihanna is on a different path now," shared another.

"The navy needs to accept already the fact that she’s not a singer anymore, she’s a businesswoman who WAS a singer," stated someone else.

"Rihanna's reflection on her journey highlights her deep faith, showing how she transcended music to fulfill a higher purpose. Her influence will forever be felt, beyond just her artistry," expressed a user.

"Nah…she just trying to figure out the type of music and message she wants when she drops again," countered one user.

"I just think we should be happy to see her happy. People gonna always make music. We just can’t keep expecting one person to satisfy that craving," tweeted yet another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.