Family tragedy of Rihanna: father’s death after struggling with addiction
1 june 2025 в 01:37
Rihanna has always been open about her childhood, particularly about the difficult relationship between her parents, throughout her career. The hitmaker of «Diamonds» has long praised her mother, Monica Braithwaite, and discussed the tensions caused in the family by her late father, Ronald Fenty, due to his past addiction.
During a 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey, RiRi revealed that she had «repaired» her relationship with Ronald.
«He taught me everything, and although he was terrible to my mom, at times, it didn’t compare to how amazing of a father he was», - Rihanna emphasized, telling the former talk show host. «I had to come to terms with that, and I was able to bridge that gap with him».
However, in 2019, Rihanna sued Ronald for allegedly using her name for commercial purposes. The «Umbrella» artist accused Ronald of creating a talent development company, Fenty Entertainment, to pose as her manager and attract new clients. In 2021, reports say Rihanna filed to dismiss the lawsuit.
In May 2025, Ronald passed away.
Below are all the facts we know about Rihanna’s parents, Monica and Ronald.
Are Rihanna’s parents still married?
No, Rihanna’s parents divorced when she was 14. The hitmaker of «Disturbia» occasionally opened up about Ronald and Monica’s past marriage, noting that it was abusive towards his ex-wife. At the time, Ronald was struggling with addiction, leading to several instances of domestic violence in Rihanna’s childhood.
Ronald and Monica raised Rihanna, as well as her younger brothers, Rorrey and Rajad. Additionally, Ronald has daughters Samantha and Kandy and son Jamie from previous relationships; they are Rihanna’s step-siblings.
According to Starcom Network, Ronald passed away after a «brief illness». At the time of publication, it is still unclear what his condition was before his death. However, a few days before Ronald’s death, Rihanna’s brother, Rajad Fenty, was seen arriving at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on May 28, 2025, according to photos published by TMZ.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 for confidential support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services at 1−800−662-HELP (4357)
During a 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey, RiRi revealed that she had «repaired» her relationship with Ronald.
«He taught me everything, and although he was terrible to my mom, at times, it didn’t compare to how amazing of a father he was», - Rihanna emphasized, telling the former talk show host. «I had to come to terms with that, and I was able to bridge that gap with him».
However, in 2019, Rihanna sued Ronald for allegedly using her name for commercial purposes. The «Umbrella» artist accused Ronald of creating a talent development company, Fenty Entertainment, to pose as her manager and attract new clients. In 2021, reports say Rihanna filed to dismiss the lawsuit.
In May 2025, Ronald passed away.
Below are all the facts we know about Rihanna’s parents, Monica and Ronald.
Are Rihanna’s parents still married?
No, Rihanna’s parents divorced when she was 14. The hitmaker of «Disturbia» occasionally opened up about Ronald and Monica’s past marriage, noting that it was abusive towards his ex-wife. At the time, Ronald was struggling with addiction, leading to several instances of domestic violence in Rihanna’s childhood.
Ronald and Monica raised Rihanna, as well as her younger brothers, Rorrey and Rajad. Additionally, Ronald has daughters Samantha and Kandy and son Jamie from previous relationships; they are Rihanna’s step-siblings.
According to Starcom Network, Ronald passed away after a «brief illness». At the time of publication, it is still unclear what his condition was before his death. However, a few days before Ronald’s death, Rihanna’s brother, Rajad Fenty, was seen arriving at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on May 28, 2025, according to photos published by TMZ.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 for confidential support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services at 1−800−662-HELP (4357)
© Artemenko Olga
