The Tragic Life And Complex Legacy Of Ronald Fenty: 7 Facts About Rihanna's Late Father

The world of pop culture and the island of Barbados recently mourned the loss of a pivotal figure in the life of global superstar Rihanna. As of December 13, 2025, the most significant and heartbreaking news surrounding the Fenty family is the passing of Robyn Rihanna Fenty’s father, Ronald Fenty, who died in May 2025 at the age of 70. This event has cast a new light on a complex father-daughter relationship, marked by public disputes, personal struggles, and ultimate reconciliation.

The patriarch of the Fenty family, whose life was a dramatic blend of modest origins, personal challenges, and unexpected fame through his daughter’s success, passed away in Los Angeles after a brief illness. While his legacy is inextricably linked to the 'Umbrella' singer, Ronald Fenty’s own story is a compelling narrative of struggle and redemption that shaped one of the world's most influential women.

The Complete Biography and Profile of Ronald Fenty

Ronald Fenty’s life was a journey from a small bungalow in Barbados to the periphery of global celebrity. His complex history provides the context for his daughter Rihanna's fierce independence and drive.

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• Full Name: Ronald Fenty
• Date of Birth: August 16, 1954
• Date of Death: May 30 or 31, 2025
• Age at Death: 70 years old
• Place of Birth: Bridgetown, Barbados, Eastern Caribbean Island
• Cause of Death: Multiple health complications, including respiratory failure and pancreatic cancer, following a brief illness
• Ex-Wife: Monica Braithwaite (separated when Rihanna was young, officially divorced in 2002)
• Children: Six in total—Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Rorrey Fenty, and Rajad Fenty (with Monica Braithwaite), plus Samantha Fenty, Kandy Fenty, and Jamie Fenty (from previous relationships)
• Occupation: Former warehouse supervisor and sales manager in Barbados

The Tumultuous Relationship: From Barbados to the Lawsuit

The dynamic between Ronald Fenty and his superstar daughter, Rihanna, was famously tumultuous, yet deeply rooted in love. Their relationship was one of the most publicly scrutinized in the celebrity world, primarily due to Ronald’s struggles with addiction and the infamous 2019 legal battle.

The Early Struggles and Parental Divorce

Ronald Fenty and Rihanna’s mother, Monica Braithwaite, raised their family in a modest three-bedroom bungalow in Bridgetown, Barbados. However, their marriage was marked by intense difficulty, largely stemming from Ronald's admitted struggles with alcohol and cocaine addiction, which led to domestic issues. Rihanna has often spoken about witnessing these struggles firsthand during her childhood, a period that deeply affected her. The couple separated when Rihanna was young and finalized their divorce in 2002, when the future Fenty Beauty mogul was just 14.

The Fenty Trademark Lawsuit of 2019

Despite their personal challenges, the most public rift occurred in January 2019 when Rihanna filed a federal lawsuit against her father and his business partner, Moses Perkins. The core of the lawsuit was the misuse of the globally recognized "Fenty" name. Rihanna alleged that Ronald Fenty and his company, Fenty Entertainment, were falsely advertising and soliciting business by suggesting a connection to her, thereby profiting from her fame and trademark.

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The lawsuit explicitly stated that Ronald Fenty "does not have, and never has had, authority to act on Rihanna's behalf." This legal action aimed to protect the integrity of her burgeoning Fenty brand empire, which includes Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin. The case, however, never went to trial. In September 2021, just weeks before the scheduled court date, Rihanna dropped the lawsuit, which was widely reported as a settlement between the two parties, suggesting a private resolution to their public dispute.

A Final Reconciliation and the Circumstances of His Passing

Following the resolution of the lawsuit and in the years leading up to his death, reports indicated that the father and daughter had managed to repair their relationship. Rihanna, known for her private nature regarding family matters, had previously stated in a 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey that she had "repaired" her bond with her father, a relationship she described as having been strained.

The Final Illness and Passing

In May 2025, Ronald Fenty was reportedly battling a brief illness that ultimately led to his passing at the age of 70 in Los Angeles. Sources close to the family confirmed that the cause of death was due to multiple health complications, including respiratory failure and pancreatic cancer. His death came as a shock to many, despite his history of health issues, including a previous battle with COVID-19 in 2020 which he successfully overcame.

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The news of his death was reported in late May, with sources indicating that members of his family, including his daughter, were present or involved during his final days at Cedars-Sinai Hospital. His passing marks the end of a chapter for the Fenty family, one defined by the extraordinary rise of his daughter and the personal struggles that often accompany such a spotlight. Despite the challenges, Ronald Fenty remains an indelible part of the story of one of the world's most successful entertainers, a man who, in his own way, contributed to the resilience and strength that defines Robyn Rihanna Fenty.

The Legacy of Ronald Fenty

Ronald Fenty’s legacy is not just as the father of a global icon, but as a man who navigated the complexities of addiction, divorce, and the sudden, intense pressure of celebrity proximity. His life served as a stark backdrop to Rihanna's success, instilling in her a unique perspective on life and fame. The fact that their relationship, despite the public lawsuits and private pain, found a path toward reconciliation speaks volumes about the enduring bond between a father and his child. His passing is a poignant reminder of the personal, often unseen, struggles that shape even the most public of figures.