Ronald Fenty, best known as the father of global music icon Rihanna, passed away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 70 in Los Angeles after a brief illness. His passing has prompted reflection on a life marked by both hardship and healing, and the enduring bond he ultimately shared with his daughter. His death has brought renewed attention to his life, marked by both personal struggles and his complex relationship with his famous daughter.
Despite years of estrangement and emotional distance, Ronald and Rihanna found their way back to each other, proving that even the most fractured relationships can find healing.
In 2022, he expressed joy about becoming a grandfather, stating, "She’s going to be a good mom. She loves kids".
Ronald Fenty’s Early Life, Family, and Education
Ronald Fenty is a Barbadian public figure best known as the father of global music and fashion icon Rihanna. Though often recognized through his famous daughter, Ronald has a distinct identity and life story rooted deeply in the Caribbean island of Barbados.
Born on August 16, 1954, in the capital city of Bridgetown, Ronald comes from a diverse heritage, identifying as Afro-Barbadian with additional Irish, English, and Scottish ancestry. His ethnic background reflects the complex colonial history of Barbados and contributes to the rich cultural lineage passed down to his children.
A native of Barbados by birth and nationality, Ronald Fenty grew up under the care of his parents, Reginald Leslie Forde and Betty Fenty. He spent most of his life on the island, working in various roles, including as a warehouse supervisor and entrepreneur. His upbringing was grounded in Caribbean traditions, and he later became a father to six children, including Robyn Rihanna Fenty, whom the world would come to know simply as Rihanna.
Physically, Ronald stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 centimeters) and weighs around 180 pounds (82 kilograms). Over the years, he has made occasional appearances in the media—sometimes in support of his daughter’s career, other times in the context of family controversies or health updates.
Despite the public scrutiny, Ronald Fenty remains a significant figure in Rihanna’s life story and the broader narrative of her rise from a humble Barbadian household to international superstardom.
Ronald grew up in Barbados and worked as a warehouse supervisor. He married Monica Braithwaite, an accountant, and together they had three children: Rihanna (born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in 1988), Rorrey, and Rajad.
Ronald Fenty’s Personal Life, Marriage, and Children
Ronald Fenty’s personal life has often drawn public interest, not only because he is the father of global superstar Rihanna, but also due to his layered and sometimes tumultuous relationship history. While he has kept a relatively low profile in recent years, Ronald’s past relationships and marriages have played a significant role in shaping his identity as both a father and public figure in Barbados.
Ronald Fenty was previously married to Monica Braithwaite, a former accountant of Afro-Guyanese descent. The couple met and settled in Bridgetown, Barbados, where they raised their family. Monica and Ronald had three children together: Robyn Rihanna Fenty, born in 1988, along with her two younger brothers, Rorrey and Rajad Fenty. For many years, their family life was marked by financial struggles and personal hardship.
The marriage between Ronald and Monica ultimately ended in divorce, reportedly due to Ronald’s struggles with alcohol and crack cocaine addiction, which created significant tension within the household. Rihanna herself has spoken about the pain of growing up in a home where domestic conflict was common. In various interviews, including a revealing 2009 conversation with Diane Sawyer, she reflected on witnessing physical altercations between her parents, saying, “My family broke up because of his addiction.”
After his divorce from Monica, Ronald remained in Barbados but maintained relationships with his children—though not without periods of estrangement, particularly with Rihanna. Over the years, Ronald also fathered several other children from different relationships, reportedly bringing his total number of children to six, including Rihanna, Rorrey, and Rajad. While the identities and details of the other children are less public, Ronald has acknowledged having multiple children and expressed regret about some of his past decisions.
In later years, Ronald was romantically linked with other women, but no formal remarriage has been publicly confirmed. His most notable relationship post-divorce was never officially publicized with full detail, though local Barbadian press occasionally featured Ronald with companions at events or public gatherings.
Despite the early troubles in his marriage and family life, Ronald has expressed pride in Rihanna and appears to have made efforts to reconcile with his children. Following Rihanna’s rise to fame, he was often seen at her concerts and family events. In a 2020 The Sun interview, he called Rihanna “my princess” and shared, “Even though we’ve had our ups and downs, I’m always proud of her.”
Today, Ronald Fenty lives a quieter life in Barbados, where he occasionally makes appearances during public holidays and cultural festivals. Though no longer married, his legacy as a father—and the complexities that come with it—remains a central part of his story.
In 2022, Ronald expressed his excitement about Rihanna's pregnancy, stating, "I'm so happy that I jumped for joy. I'm still so excited."
Ronald Fenty’s Career Journey: From Beginnings to Fame
Ronald's professional life was relatively private, primarily working as a warehouse supervisor in Barbados. However, his life entered the public eye due to his daughter Rihanna's meteoric rise to fame. In 2016, Rihanna purchased a $1.8 million home for him in Barbados after his previous residence was compromised by tourists. Famous Birthdays
In 2019, Ronald faced legal issues when Rihanna filed a lawsuit against him for allegedly misusing her name to promote his entertainment company. The lawsuit was later dropped in 2021, indicating a reconciliation between father and daughter.
Ronald Fenty’s Net Worth and Lifestyle Before His Death
While Ronald Fenty's exact net worth is not publicly known, his lifestyle saw improvements over the years, notably after Rihanna purchased a home for him.
His income sources included his work as a warehouse supervisor and involvement in entertainment ventures, such as Fenty Entertainment. Despite past controversies, he remained a figure of interest due to his connection to Rihanna.
TL;DR Summary
Ronald Fenty, father of Rihanna, passed away in 2025 at 70. His life was marked by personal struggles and a complex relationship with his daughter, which they reconciled in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ronald Fenty
Q: What was Ronald Fenty's occupation?
A: He worked as a warehouse supervisor in Barbados and later became involved in entertainment ventures.
Q: How many children did Ronald Fenty have?
A: He had six children, including Rihanna, Rorrey, Rajad, Samantha, Kandy, and Jamie.
Q: Is Ronald Fenty still alive?
A: No, Ronald Fenty passed away at the age of 70 in Los Angeles following a brief illness. The exact cause and date of his death have not been officially disclosed.
Q: What caused Ronald Fenty's death?
A: He passed away after a brief illness in Los Angeles.
Q: Did Ronald and Rihanna reconcile before his death?
A: Yes, they reconciled in recent years, with Ronald expressing joy about becoming a grandfather.
Though his journey was far from perfect, Ronald Fenty’s story remains a reminder of the human complexity behind every public figure—and the possibility of redemption, even in life’s final chapters.