A Father’s Legacy: The Life and Passing of Ronald Fenty, and the Story of Rihanna’s Family Bonds.

Barbados, a nation known for its warmth, resilience, and tight-knit communities, is currently enveloped in a wave of collective mourning. On May 31, 2025, Ronald Fenty—father of global superstar, entrepreneur, and national icon Robyn Rihanna Fenty—passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 70 after a brief illness.

His death, confirmed by Barbados’ Starcom Network News, has cast a somber shadow over the Fenty family and the island as a whole. Yet, beyond the headlines and celebrity focus, Ronald’s story is one of struggle, transformation, and the enduring power of family.

A Life Rooted in Barbados

Born in 1954, Ronald Fenty grew up in a Barbados that was changing rapidly—socially, economically, and culturally. He worked as a warehouse supervisor and later as a small business owner, embodying the perseverance so often celebrated in Barbadian culture.

Ronald was deeply proud of his heritage, remaining grounded in his community even as his daughter’s fame soared to global heights. Neighbors recall a man who was approachable, friendly, and always willing to offer advice or a greeting.

He was more than just “Rihanna’s father”—he was a fixture in his neighborhood, a friend, and a man whose life was marked by both struggle and love.

Family, Complexity, and Growth

Ronald’s marriage to Monica Braithwaite, an accountant, lasted over 15 years before ending in divorce in 2002.

Together, they raised three children: Robyn (Rihanna), Rory, and Rajad. Ronald also had three other children—Candy, Samantha, and Jamie—from previous relationships.

The Fenty family was large and blended, but Ronald strove to remain involved in the lives of all his children, each of whom carried a piece of his legacy.

Growing up, Rihanna spoke candidly about her family’s hardships. The household was marked by financial instability and, at times, Ronald’s struggles with substance abuse. These challenges created an atmosphere of tension, but also resilience.

Rihanna has described taking on a protective role for her younger brothers, a responsibility that shaped her character and emotional resilience.

Despite the hardships, there was always love—Ronald’s charisma, warmth, and social nature were traits she inherited and would later channel into her own remarkable career.

A Complex Father-Daughter Relationship

The relationship between Rihanna and her father was never simple. There were periods of estrangement, especially after her parents’ divorce and as her career began to take off.

The pressures of fame, unresolved childhood wounds, and Ronald’s public missteps—including speaking to the media during Rihanna’s most vulnerable moments—strained their bond.

The most public rift came in 2019, when Rihanna filed a lawsuit against her father for allegedly using her name and brand to book unauthorized business deals.

For many, this legal battle was a sign of a fractured relationship, one where boundaries had been crossed and trust eroded.

Yet, their story was never just about conflict. Even amid lawsuits and public disputes, there remained an undercurrent of love and the possibility of reconciliation.

The lawsuit was eventually dropped, and reports began to surface of a slow rebuilding of trust. When Ronald was hospitalized with COVID-19 in 2020, Rihanna sent him a ventilator and ensured he had the care he needed.

In interviews, Ronald expressed deep gratitude for his daughter’s support, calling her his “little girl” and praising her generosity.

Final Days and Lasting Bonds

Ronald Fenty’s final days were marked by closeness and family. His youngest son, Rajad, and Rihanna herself were seen arriving at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, a testament to the enduring connection between father and daughter.

Despite their complicated history, Rihanna was by his side during his last moments, offering grace, forgiveness, and love.

The loss has prompted an outpouring of support—not just for Rihanna, but for the entire Fenty family.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados issued an official statement, extending condolences and honoring Ronald’s role in shaping both his family and the wider Barbadian community.

“Ronald Fenty was a son of Barbadian soil whose life story reflected the resilience and spirit of our nation,” Mottley said.

“While he may be known for playing a significant role in shaping the woman our national hero Rihanna has become, the truth is that his journey here on earth has touched many more lives.”

A Community’s Grief and Celebration

Barbados, with its close-knit society, has responded to Ronald’s passing with widespread sympathy and reflection. Locals remember him as a man who never sought the spotlight, even as international fame found his family.

He remained grounded, attending community events and neighborhood functions, embodying the humility and authenticity cherished by Bajans.

His life was not without controversy or hardship, particularly during Rihanna’s rise to fame. The media often highlighted family struggles, and Ronald’s own challenges were sometimes played out on a public stage.

But over time, the father-daughter relationship evolved. They were seen together at public events, and glimpses of their renewed bond touched fans around the world, symbolizing the power of forgiveness and healing.

Lessons in Love, Loss, and Forgiveness

Ronald Fenty’s legacy is not just one of struggle, but also of transformation and enduring love. For Rihanna, his passing marks a turning point—a moment to reflect on the man who gave her life, encouraged her talents, and, despite his flaws, helped shape her worldview.

Their relationship, marked by estrangement, conflict, reunion, and forgiveness, is emblematic of the complex bonds many people share with their parents.

In the wake of his death, tributes have poured in from fans, friends, and fellow Barbadians. Social media is filled with photos, anecdotes, and messages of support.

There is a palpable sense of loss, but also of celebration—a celebration of a man who, for all his imperfections, gave the world a remarkable daughter and left behind a family who loved him deeply.

A Lasting Influence

As Rihanna continues to evolve as an artist, entrepreneur, and mother, her father’s legacy endures. It is evident in her family-oriented values, her commitment to her Barbadian roots, and her ongoing philanthropy through the Clara Lionel Foundation.

Ronald’s influence lives on in her music, her resilience, and the lessons she will pass on to her own children.

In losing her father, Rihanna has gained perspective on the power of time, the possibility of healing, and the enduring strength of familial bonds. Ronald Fenty’s presence—imperfect, complicated, yet irreplaceable—will forever be a part of Rihanna’s story and the story of Barbados itself.

His life reminds us that behind every icon is a family, a history, and a father who once held their hand. In mourning Ronald Fenty, Barbados mourns one of its own—a man whose journey, though sometimes difficult, was ultimately defined by love.