Barbadian singer Rihanna has spoken publicly for the first time about the loss of her father, Ronald Fenty, who passed away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 70 after a brief illness.
Speaking at the premiere of the upcoming Smurfs movie in Los Angeles, Rihanna reflected on her father’s passing and the role she had imagined he would play as a grandfather to her two sons, RZA and Riot. She revealed that she had long envisioned him being a vibrant, involved grandparent and expressed sadness over the missed opportunity for her children to share in the best parts of his personality.
She also shared how her father’s sense of adventure and free-spirited nature influenced her approach to parenting. Rihanna explained that she wants to raise her sons with the same daring outlook on life — encouraging them to explore the outdoors, embrace nature, and live boldly.
Her remarks came during an emotional moment as she continues to honor her father’s memory while nurturing the values he embodied in her own family.