Ronald Fenty, the father of global music icon Rihanna, passed away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 70 in Los Angeles following a brief illness. Family members, including Rihanna’s brother Rajad Fenty, were present at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center during his passing. Rihanna was also reportedly present, though she has not publicly commented on her father’s death.
Born in Barbados in 1954, Ronald Fenty was known for his complex relationship with his daughter, marked by periods of estrangement and reconciliation. The family’s dynamics were often in the public eye, reflecting both personal challenges and moments of closeness.
In 2019, Rihanna filed a lawsuit against her father, alleging that he had misused her name for his own business ventures, notably through a company called Fenty Entertainment. The lawsuit claimed that Ronald Fenty and his business partner falsely posed as Rihanna’s representatives to solicit millions of dollars. The case was eventually dismissed in 2021, with reports suggesting that the father and daughter had reconciled.
Despite their tumultuous history, Ronald Fenty expressed pride in his daughter’s accomplishments and her role as a mother. He previously spoke about his joy in being a grandfather to Rihanna’s children, noting her dedication to motherhood.
The Fenty family has requested privacy during this time of mourning. Details regarding funeral arrangements have not been publicly disclosed.