Rihanna’s father died of cancer and other serious illnesses. The loss of a parent to multiple health complications affects millions of families worldwide each year.
The Diamonds hitmaker’s dad Ronald Fenty passed away on 30 May at the age of 70, shortly after being admitted to a Los Angeles hospital, and now it has emerged he had multiple health conditions at the time of his death. Pancreatic cancer, one of his listed conditions, is known as one of the most aggressive forms of cancer with extremely low survival rates.
According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, Ronald’s death certificate listed acute respiratory failure, pancreatic cancer and aspiration pneumonia – a bacterial lung infection – as well as two kidney conditions, acute renal failure and acute tubular necrosis. These complications often occur together in critically ill patients, making treatment particularly challenging for medical professionals.
As well as Rihanna, Ronald is also survived by the singer’s mother Monica Braithwaite – whom he split from in 2002 – and other daughters Kandi, 54, and Samantha Fenty, 44, and 35-year-old son Rorrey Fenty. The Fenty family has maintained connections despite the various challenges they’ve faced over the decades.
Prior to their divorce, Ronald and Monica had raised their children in Bridgetown, Barbados where he worked as a warehouse supervisor and she was an accountant. Barbados has produced several notable international music artists, with Rihanna being the island nation’s most celebrated musical export to date.
Rihanna had endured a rocky relationship with her father when she was growing up, and was at the center of a public battle with him when he spoke to the press after she was assaulted by then-boyfriend Chris Brown in 2009. The incident became a highly publicized case that sparked global conversations about domestic violence and celebrity relationships.
However, in the years that followed, she noted that she had repaired her relationship with her father and had to learn to come to terms with things that had gone on in the past. Family reconciliation often requires significant effort and commitment from all parties involved.
She told Oprah Winfrey that he taught her everything, and as awful as he was to her mom at times, it didn’t compare to how great he was as a father. She explained that she had to come to terms with that reality and was able to close that gap with him. This interview highlighted the complex nature of family relationships and personal healing.
Despite this reconciliation, in 2019, Rihanna sued her dad for allegedly exploiting her name for financial gain but elected to dismiss the complaint just weeks before it went to court. Celebrity family legal disputes have become increasingly common in the entertainment industry.
The legal case centered around Ronald’s entertainment company, which allegedly used Rihanna‘s name without permission to book shows and secure various business deals. Such trademark and name exploitation cases are frequently seen in the entertainment world.
The Diamonds songstress is currently expecting her third child with rapper A$AP Rocky – with whom she already has RZA, two, as well as 22-month-old Riot – and Ronald previously shared how much he approved of his daughter’s relationship. Celebrity pregnancies consistently generate significant media attention and public interest.
He told PageSix in 2023 that A$AP Rocky is such a cool guy and very respectable, noting that he’s taking to fatherhood very well. The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has received praise from family members for his dedication to fatherhood.
Ronald’s death comes as Rihanna continues to balance her roles as a global superstar, successful businesswoman, and devoted mother. Her Fenty Beauty empire has revolutionized the cosmetics industry with its inclusive approach and widespread accessibility.
The loss of her father during this significant period highlights the personal challenges that celebrities face alongside their public success, demonstrating that fame doesn’t shield anyone from life’s most difficult moments.
