Rihanna returned to her homeland of Barbados this week to lay her father, Ronald Fenty, to rest, surrounded by family and love. According to TMZ, the music and fashion icon was seen entering the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium with her youngest son Riot in her arms, while her longtime partner A$AP Rocky followed close behind with their first child, RZA. Also in attendance was Ronald’s fiancée, Rosemary, as friends and family gathered to say their final goodbyes.
Ronald Fenty passed away on May 30th at the age of 70, as previously reported by BET.com. His death certificate cites a number of complications, including acute respiratory failure, pancreatic cancer, aspiration pneumonia, acute renal failure, and acute tubular necrosis.
Though Rihanna and her father shared a complicated relationship, they found peace before his passing. Speaking to Billboard, Rihanna once reflected on the emotional journey of reconciling with her father:
“You grow up with your father, you know him, you are a part of him, for goodness’ sakes! And then he does something so bizarre that I can’t begin to wrap my mind around it.”
Despite the tension, the two managed to heal old wounds. In a sit-down with Oprah, Rihanna explained:
“He taught me everything, and as awful as he was to my mom, at times, it didn’t compare to how great he was as a father. And I had to come to terms with that, and I was able to close that gap with him.”
As Rihanna mourns this personal loss, fans continue to send her and her family their condolences, honoring the strength it takes to reconcile, forgive, and say goodbye.
