Ronald Fenty, the father of global music icon Rihanna, has reportedly passed away at the age of 70. According to reports from TMZ, Ronald died in Los Angeles after facing health challenges. The news has been further corroborated by Starcomm Network, a radio outlet in Rihanna's homeland of Barbados, which indicates that family members have gathered in California during this difficult time.

Efforts to reach Rihanna's representatives for comment have so far been unsuccessful. The singer, known for her hit songs and philanthropic efforts, has had a complicated and sometimes tumultuous relationship with her father, which has included legal disputes and personal challenges.

One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2019 when Rihanna filed a lawsuit against Ronald for allegedly misusing their family name for his business, Fenty Entertainment. She accused him and his business partner of misleadingly presenting themselves as her agents. However, by 2021, she had withdrawn the lawsuit, suggesting that the two may have reached some form of settlement.

Throughout his life, Ronald Fenty struggled with addiction issues, including a long battle with crack cocaine and a history of heavy drinking. In a candid interview with Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna recounted witnessing her father's abusive behavior towards her mother, which included a harrowing incident where he broke her nose during a violent episode.

In 2008, his erratic behavior came to a head when he was sent home from Rihanna's North American tour due to his drunken actions while on her tour bus. This incident reportedly led to a two-year estrangement between father and daughter, during which Rihanna felt compelled to distance herself from him. However, they eventually reconciled.

In 2013, Rihanna made a significant effort to support her father by enrolling him in a $58,000 rehabilitation program in Malibu, which was aimed at preventing a potential jail sentence following his arrest during a visit to California. Despite these efforts, Ronald's struggles continued, and in 2014, he was removed from Rihanna's Diamond Ball after embarrassing his daughter by getting intoxicated and falling on the red carpet.

Ronald Fenty shared three children with his ex-wife, Monica Braithwaite, whom he divorced in 2002. Alongside Rihanna, the couple welcomed two sons, Rajad and Rorrey. Ronald also has three additional children from previous relationships: Kandy, Samantha, and Jamie. As news of his passing spreads, many will remember the complexities of his life and his relationship with one of the world’s biggest music stars.