Rihanna's father Ronald Fenty dies at 70 after 'brief illness'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ronald Fenty, the father of pop icon Rihanna, has died at the age of 70.

Ronald reportedly died on Saturday morning in Los Angeles after "a brief illness," Starcom Network News, a local radio station in Barbados, first reported. 

Rihanna's father Ronald Fenty was 'battling an illness'

Family members reportedly gathered in California to honor Ronald Fenty's life.

In photos obtained by Page Six, Rihanna’s brother, Rajad Fenty, was seen arriving at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on May 28.

The outlet noted that Rihanna was also in the vehicle. The cause of death was not immediately known, though Starcom reported it came after a “brief illness.” TMZ also added that Ronald was “battling an illness”.

Ronald and Rihanna’s mother, Monica Braithwaite, also share a son named Rorrey Fenty. Rihanna has three half-siblings from Ronald’s previous relationships: sisters Samantha and Kandy Fenty, and brother Jamie Fenty.

The family lived in Bridgetown, Barbados, in a bungalow on what is now Rihanna Drive. Ronald and Monica separated when Rihanna was young and got divorced in 2002 when she was 14, according to People.

Ronald Fenty dies amid Rihanna's pregnancy

The sad news of Ronald Fenty’s death comes as Rihanna is expecting her third child with her longtime boyfriend, A$AP Rocky.

Rihanna revealed her pregnancy at the Met Gala this month, showing her baby bump. “I feel a lot better that I don’t have to suck my stomach in anymore,” Rihanna told Access Hollywood during the event.

A source told People, “Rihanna has always wanted a big family, so she couldn’t be more excited. Rihanna and Rocky are thrilled to be growing their family and they can’t wait to give their boys another sibling.”

The source also said, “They wanted to have their children close together in age, so that they could grow up together and share a close bond. They feel so blessed and are so grateful for this next chapter in their lives. It’s a very special time.”

Ronald Fenty and Rihanna's past tensions

Rihanna's relationship with her father has had its ups and downs over the years, particularly after Rihanna's incident with then-boyfriend Chris Brown in 2009.

Ronald reportedly spoke to the press about the incident without his daughter's consent. Rihanna addressed the matter years later in an interview with Vogue, in which she called the situation "really strange."

"You grow up with your father, you know him, you are a part of him, for goodness' sakes!" she said, per Billboard. "And then he does something so bizarre that I can’t begin to wrap my mind around it."

In February 2023, however, Ronald shared with TMZ his excitement about Rihanna’s growing family.

Ronald said he was "over the moon” about Rihana's pregnancy and the baby on the way. In 2023, Rihana gave birth to her second child, Riot Rose.

He also expressed his hopes to play a role in the child’s life, saying he was “eager to be a part of the baby’s life.”

Internet sends condolences after Rihana's father Ronald Fenty's death

Rihanna's fans and followers took to social media to share their condolences after news broke of her father, Ronald Fenty's, death. Fans also prayed for her safe pregnancy. 

"WHAT ? RIP YOU CREATED A REVOLUTIONARY DAUGHTER," one posted on X.

Another wrote, "Oh no I hope her support system helps her through this time. I hope she still has a healthy and safe pregnancy!"

One said," Sending there family love and positive energy may he rest in peace."

Another wrote, "Prayers to her and her family 💗 rip papa fenty."

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