Rihanna is one of the biggest global icons in the music and fashion industry, but behind her success lies a rich cultural heritage and supportive family. Her parents played a significant role in shaping her life and career. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at rihanna parents, their background, and their influence on her journey to stardom.
Who Are Rihanna’s Parents?
Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was born to Ronald Fenty and Monica Braithwaite. She grew up in Barbados, where her parents raised her alongside her siblings.
Meet Rihanna’s Mother: Monica Braithwaite
- Full Name: Monica Braithwaite
- Nationality: Barbadian
- Ethnicity: Afro-Guyanese
- Occupation: Former Accountant
Monica Braithwaite, Rihanna’s mother, is originally from Guyana, a country in South America. She later moved to Barbados, where she met and married Ronald Fenty. Monica worked as an accountant, and despite financial struggles, she ensured Rihanna and her siblings had a stable upbringing. Rihanna has often credited her mother for being a strong influence in her life.
Meet Rihanna’s Father: Ronald Fenty
- Full Name: Ronald Fenty
- Nationality: Barbadian
- Ethnicity: Barbadian of Afro-Irish descent
- Occupation: Warehouse Supervisor, Entrepreneur
Ronald Fenty, Rihanna’s father, has a mixed heritage of Afro-Barbadian and Irish ancestry. He worked as a warehouse supervisor before venturing into entrepreneurship. Unlike Monica, Ronald had a more tumultuous relationship with Rihanna due to his struggles with addiction. Despite their ups and downs, Rihanna has expressed love and appreciation for her father.

Where Are Rihanna’s Parents From?
Many fans ask, “Where is Rihanna’s parents from?” Her mother, Monica Braithwaite, hails from Guyana, while her father, Ronald Fenty, is from Barbados. Rihanna’s diverse background is a blend of Afro-Guyanese, Barbadian, and Irish roots, contributing to her unique identity and global appeal.
Rihanna’s Parents’ Influence on Her Life
Despite growing up in a modest home, Rihanna’s parents instilled in her a sense of hard work, resilience, and ambition. Here’s how they influenced her life:
- Monica’s Strength & Discipline: Rihanna often describes her mother as a strict but loving parent who shaped her strong-willed nature.
- Ronald’s Love for Music: Rihanna has said that her father introduced her to Caribbean music, which later influenced her music career.
- Family Struggles & Strength: Rihanna has openly discussed her parents’ difficult marriage, which ended in divorce when she was a teenager. However, these experiences only made her more determined to succeed.
Bio Table: Rihanna’s Parents
Attribute | Ronald Fenty (Father) | Monica Braithwaite (Mother) |
---|---|---|
Full Name | Ronald Fenty | Monica Braithwaite |
Nationality | Barbadian | Barbadian (Originally from Guyana) |
Ethnicity | Afro-Barbadian, Irish | Afro-Guyanese |
Occupation | Warehouse Supervisor, Entrepreneur | Former Accountant |
Known For | Being Rihanna’s Father | Being Rihanna’s Mother |
Relationship with Rihanna | Complicated, legal disputes | Close, supportive |
Influence on Rihanna | Introduced her to Caribbean music | Instilled discipline and resilience |
Rihanna’s Relationship With Her Parents Today
Over the years, Rihanna’s relationship with her parents has had its ups and downs. She has had legal disputes with her father regarding the misuse of her name for business purposes, but despite this, she still maintains a connection with him. Rihanna is particularly close to her mother and often celebrates her publicly.
Rihanna’s Parents and Siblings
Rihanna is not an only child; she has several siblings, including:
- Two younger brothers, Rorrey and Rajad Fenty (from her parents’ marriage)
- Three half-siblings from her father’s side (born from different relationships)
Despite having a large family, Rihanna remains closest to her immediate brothers, often sharing moments with them on social media.

Interesting Facts About Rihanna’s Parents
- Rihanna’s dad, Ronald, used to sell clothes on the streets of Barbados before his daughter became a superstar.
- Her mom, Monica, initially disapproved of Rihanna’s music career, fearing it was too risky.
- Rihanna bought her mother a mansion in Barbados as a token of gratitude.
- Ronald Fenty had a history of addiction problems, which caused strains in their relationship.
- Rihanna’s father once ran a talent business using her name without permission, leading to a lawsuit.
Conclusion
Rihanna’s parents, Monica Braithwaite and Ronald Fenty, played crucial roles in shaping who she is today. Despite family struggles, their love, discipline, and cultural influences contributed to Rihanna’s journey to becoming a global superstar. Her relationship with her parents may not have always been smooth, but she continues to honor them in various ways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who are Rihanna’s parents?
Rihanna’s parents are Ronald Fenty and Monica Braithwaite.
2. Where is Rihanna’s parents from?
Her father is from Barbados, and her mother is originally from Guyana.
3. What is Rihanna’s parents’ nationality?
Rihanna’s father is Barbadian, and her mother is Guyanese-Barbadian.
4. What do Rihanna’s parents do for a living?
Her mother, Monica, was an accountant, and her father, Ronald, worked as a warehouse supervisor and later became an entrepreneur.
5. Do Rihanna’s parents still live together?
No, Rihanna’s parents divorced when she was a teenager.
6. How many siblings does Rihanna have?
Rihanna has two full brothers and three half-siblings from her father’s side.
7. Does Rihanna have a good relationship with her parents?
She has a strong bond with her mother, but her relationship with her father has been complicated due to legal disputes.
8. Has Rihanna helped her parents financially?
Yes, Rihanna has supported her parents and even bought her mother a house in Barbados.
9. What ethnicity are Rihanna’s parents?
Her mother is Afro-Guyanese, and her father is Afro-Barbadian with Irish ancestry.
10. What influence did Rihanna’s parents have on her music career?
Her father introduced her to Caribbean music, and her mother’s strict discipline helped shape her work ethic.