In a move that stunned fans worldwide and brought many to tears, global music and fashion icon Rihanna has revealed the name of her third child—a heartfelt tribute to her late father, Ronald Fenty, who passed away earlier this year.

The 37-year-old singer, entrepreneur, and mother of three made the announcement via a deeply personal Instagram post early Tuesday morning. The post featured a black-and-white photo of Rihanna cradling her newborn against her chest, with a simple caption:

“Welcome to the world, Ronnie Love Fenty. Your granddad would’ve sung you lullabies every night. This one’s for him.”

The post instantly went viral, garnering over 12 million likes in under five hours, with fans and celebrities flooding the comment section with messages of love, support, and overwhelming emotion.

A Personal Loss and Public Tribute

Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, died unexpectedly in February 2025 after a brief illness. While their relationship had its ups and downs, the two had reportedly reconnected in recent years, especially after the birth of Rihanna’s first two children with rapper A$AP Rocky.

Sources close to the family say Rihanna was “deeply affected” by her father’s passing and had been “looking for a meaningful way to honor him.”

Choosing to name her third child “Ronnie”—a name Ronald Fenty was affectionately called by close friends and family—was that gesture.

“She didn’t want a middle name. She wanted ‘Love’ right in the center,” said a family friend. “Because that’s what Ronnie gave her, through everything—love, even in flawed ways.”

Fans React: “She Brought Us to Tears”

Reactions from fans have been emotional and overwhelmingly positive, with many calling the name “the most beautiful tribute a daughter could give.”

One fan tweeted:

“Rihanna naming her baby Ronnie Love Fenty is the most poetic thing ever. It’s giving closure, healing, legacy. I’m SOBBING.”

Another wrote:

“As someone who lost my dad this year, I feel this so deeply. Thank you, Ri, for reminding us how love endures.”

Even fellow artists and public figures joined in. Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, commented:

“Beautiful name for a beautiful soul. Ronnie would be so proud.”

A Look at Rihanna’s Growing Family

Ronnie Love Fenty is Rihanna’s third child with partner A$AP Rocky. The couple, who have largely kept their family life private, previously welcomed sons RZA Athelston Mayers in May 2022 and Riot Rose Mayers in August 2023.

Each name has had special significance—RZA as a nod to the Wu-Tang Clan legend and Riot reportedly symbolizing “creative chaos,” as Rihanna once joked in a Vanity Fair interview.

But Ronnie Love Fenty may be her most personal name choice yet.

“Rihanna always says she doesn’t just raise children—she raises stories, energy, legacy,” said a source within the Fenty brand. “Ronnie Love isn’t just a name. It’s an anchor to the roots she came from.”

What’s Next for Rihanna?

While the new baby announcement has temporarily quieted questions about new music, it has reignited fan interest in Rihanna’s long-rumored ninth studio album, commonly dubbed R9. Some fans speculate that the album might now feature songs touching on family, grief, and love—especially in light of recent events.

“She’s in a different era now,” wrote one fan. “Rihanna the mogul, the mother, the daughter. If we ever get R9, it’s going to feel like growth.”

In the meantime, Rihanna is reportedly taking time away from the spotlight to focus on her family. She recently turned down several fashion week appearances and paused Fenty Beauty travel events to prioritize the final weeks of her pregnancy and recovery.

“She’s exactly where she wants to be—surrounded by love, holding her children, and keeping her father’s spirit alive,” a close friend shared.

A Name the World Won’t Forget

In a celebrity culture often marked by flashy reveals and publicity stunts, Rihanna’s announcement stood apart for its raw sincerity.

No staged photoshoot. No sponsorship deal. Just a mother, her baby, and the memory of a man who helped shape her.

And in naming her child Ronnie Love, Rihanna didn’t just honor her father—she reminded the world that, even in fame, family comes first.

As one comment perfectly captured it:

“She gave him forever. Ronnie lives on. And we’re all crying with her.”