Ronald Fenty, the father of global music icon Rihanna, has passed away at the age of 70.

According to a source with direct knowledge, Fenty died in Los Angeles following a battle with an undisclosed illness.

On Wednesday, Rihanna’s younger brother, Rajad Fenty, was seen arriving at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Sources confirm that Rihanna was also present, though not visible in the photograph.

Ronald and Rihanna shared a complicated relationship over the years. The two were estranged for an extended period but eventually reconciled.

In February 2023, Ronald expressed his excitement about Rihanna and her partner, A$AP Rocky, expecting another child. He had shared his eagerness to be part of the baby’s life.

Ronald Fenty had three children, Rihanna, Rajad, and Rorrey, with his ex-wife, Monica Braithwaite. The couple separated in 2002, around the time Rihanna’s music career began to rise.

Chioma Onuh is a journalist, social media manager and SEO specialist with over five years of experience in digital storytelling and audience engagement. She writes clear, human-centred stories and profiles, and currently manages digital content and strategy at BusinessDay.

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