Rihanna opens up on father’s death at Smurfs premiere, revealing how the loss affected her dreams and shaped how she raises her two sons
Pop superstar Robyn Rihanna Fenty, popularly known as Rihanna, has emotionally spoken out about the death of her father, Ronald Fenty, revealing the profound impact it has had on her dreams and family life.
During a red carpet interview at the premiere of the upcoming Smurfs movie, Rihanna reflected on the loss, which occurred on the 31st of May, and how it disrupted her expectations of what family would feel like.
The multi-award-winning singer and businesswoman, who shares two sons—Riot and RZA—with rapper A$AP Rocky, revealed she had always imagined her father becoming a devoted grandfather.
“I’ve always wanted that and I’ve always dreamed of what type of grandfather he would be to them because of the favourite parts of my dad,” she said. “I think it prepared me for having two boys.”
Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, had been a complex figure in her life.
Despite their sometimes strained relationship, Rihanna had maintained contact and even provided him support during moments of ill health.
Back in 2019, she filed a lawsuit against him for allegedly exploiting her name for personal profit, but the case did not prevent occasional reconciliation efforts.
Still, his recent death has left an emotional void for the singer.
Speaking at the Smurfs premiere, Rihanna shared how she intends to raise her sons in a way that reflects both her own adventurous upbringing and the parts of her father’s personality she most admired.
“The adventure side of me, the outside side of me, the daredevil. It’s how I want to raise them, and I want them to be outside and be in nature,” she explained.
The singer, now 36, has taken a break from music in recent years to focus on motherhood and business.
I’ve always wanted that and I’ve always dreamed of what type of grandfather he would be to them.
With her successful Fenty Beauty empire and her partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Games recently announced, Rihanna remains an influential global figure.
Despite her glamorous lifestyle, the mother of two has spoken often about the importance of family, privacy, and staying grounded.
Her comments about her father’s passing come at a time when fans are hoping for new music, but Rihanna appears more focused on her personal life and raising her children with intention.
The red carpet moment was widely shared on social media, with fans praising Rihanna’s openness and strength.
Some expressed sympathy, while others admired her ability to draw positive meaning from a difficult experience.
One fan wrote, “Rihanna just reminded us that behind the fame is a daughter in mourning. Beautiful and real.”
Another added, “She’s always honest. And that’s what makes her powerful.”
Rihanna’s tribute to her late father comes just as she returns to public life after a period of relative quiet.
Although she did not confirm any immediate music plans, her presence at the event signals a slow return to the spotlight.
For now, she says her focus remains on her children and preserving the family values she holds dear.
In her own words, “It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And I want to be there fully for them.”
Rihanna’s journey through grief, parenthood, and legacy continues to inspire millions.
As the world watches her next steps, she remains grounded in the lessons of her past—and the hopes she still holds for her family’s future.
