UNBELIEVABLE: Rihanna’s Close Friends Gather for Private Memorial — Drake’s Unexpected Gift Brings Tears and Comfort!
On June 5, 2025, a small, private memorial service for Ronald Fenty, the late father of global superstar Rihanna, took place in Los Angeles, days after his funeral in Barbados. Held at a discreet venue in the Hollywood Hills, the gathering brought together Rihanna’s inner circle of friends and family to honor the memory of Ronald, who passed away suddenly on May 31 at age 70. The intimate event, shrouded in secrecy, was marked by an emotional outpouring, with a surprising and heartfelt gift from Drake stealing the spotlight. This article explores the memorial, Drake’s touching gesture, Rihanna’s enduring grief, and the tight-knit support system that has rallied around her during this challenging time.
A Private Memorial in Los Angeles
Unlike the high-profile funeral at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Bridgetown, Barbados, the Los Angeles memorial was a low-key affair, attended by fewer than 30 of Rihanna’s closest confidants. Sources cited by Us Weekly described the setting as “simple but soulful,” with a candlelit room adorned with photos of Ronald from his Barbados childhood to his proud moments as Rihanna’s father. The gathering included Rihanna’s partner A$AP Rocky, their sons Rza and Riot, her mother Monica Braithwaite, and select friends from her music and business worlds.
Rihanna, who is expecting her third child, reportedly organized the memorial to create a space for private reflection away from the public eye. According to TMZ, the event featured a playlist of Bajan music, a nod to Ronald’s roots, and a brief speech from Rihanna’s brother Rajad, who shared childhood memories of their father. The mood was somber yet warm, with attendees focusing on celebrating Ronald’s life rather than dwelling on his struggles with addiction and his complex relationship with Rihanna.
Drake’s Unexpected Gift
The emotional peak of the memorial came with an unexpected gesture from Drake, Rihanna’s longtime friend and former collaborator. According to a source quoted by People, Drake, unable to attend due to tour commitments in Europe, sent a deeply personal gift that left Rihanna and attendees in tears. The gift was a custom-made photo album, chronicling Ronald’s life with rare images, including some from Rihanna’s early years in Barbados and candid moments of Ronald with her sons. Accompanying the album was a handwritten letter from Drake, excerpts of which were shared on X by @DrakeUpdates: “Robyn, your dad’s spirit is in your strength, your kids, your fire. This is for him, and for you. Love, Aubrey.”
The gesture was particularly poignant given Drake and Rihanna’s complicated history, which includes a rumored romance in the early 2010s and a public cooling-off after Drake’s 2016 VMAs speech declaring his love for her. Their friendship has since matured, and Drake’s gift was seen as a symbol of their enduring bond. A guest told the Daily Mail, “Rihanna was floored. She didn’t expect it, and it hit her hard—in a good way. It was like Drake was there in spirit.” On X, fans reacted with emotion, with @NavyVibes posting, “Drake’s gift to Rih for her dad’s memorial? I’m crying. That’s real love, no drama, just respect.”
The album included a dedication page with a quote from Rihanna’s 2012 song “Diamonds,” which many believe was inspired by her father: “Shine bright like a diamond.” The inclusion of this lyric, paired with photos of Ronald at Rihanna’s 2008 Grammy win and her 2023 Super Bowl halftime show, underscored his pride in her success, despite their rocky past.
Rihanna’s Grief and Resilience
Rihanna’s grief over her father’s passing remains raw, compounded by her pregnancy and the pressures of her multifaceted career. Ronald’s death on May 31 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, following a brief illness, came as a shock, particularly as Rihanna had been by his side with her family. Sources close to her, per Entertainment Tonight, say she’s been “leaning on her inner circle” to navigate this loss while preparing for her third child. The memorial offered a space for her to process her emotions privately, a rarity for a star of her stature.
Rihanna’s relationship with Ronald was fraught with challenges, including his substance abuse and their 2019 legal dispute over his misuse of the Fenty name for a business venture. Yet, reconciliation defined their later years. In a 2012 Oprah Winfrey interview, Rihanna spoke of forgiving him: “He was a great father, even when he wasn’t perfect.” She funded his rehab in Malibu, a $58,000 gesture of love, and Ronald’s 2023 comments to TMZ about hoping for a granddaughter showed their renewed closeness. His death, just as Rihanna builds her own family, has deepened her sense of loss.
At the memorial, Rihanna reportedly shared a brief reflection, saying, “He gave me more than he knew, even when it hurt. I’m still learning what that means.” Her words, less cryptic than her funeral speech but equally emotional, hinted at her ongoing journey to reconcile her father’s flaws with his impact on her life.
A Star-Studded Support System
While the memorial was intimate, it reflected Rihanna’s deep connections in the entertainment world. Attendees included her longtime friend Melissa Forde, Fenty Beauty creative director Jahleel Weaver, and rapper Travis Scott, who collaborated with Rihanna on Anti. A$AP Rocky, fresh off his 2024 trial resolution, was a pillar of support, with sources noting his role in organizing the memorial’s logistics to ease Rihanna’s burden.
The broader celebrity community continued to rally around Rihanna post-funeral. Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who attended the Barbados funeral, sent flowers to the memorial with a note reading, “Robyn, you’re family. We’re here,” according to @BeyHiveNews on X. Nicki Minaj posted on Instagram, “Rih, your heart is our heart. Ronald’s legacy lives in you.” Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, and Cardi B also sent messages, with Cardi tweeting, “Prayers for Rih and her fam. Losing a parent is heavy, but she’s strong.”
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who spoke at the funeral, issued a statement on X: “Rihanna’s private memorial for Ronald Fenty shows her love for family and country. Barbados holds her close.” The global response, amplified by fans on X, underscored Rihanna’s role as a cultural icon. @FentyFan4Life wrote, “Rih’s private memorial for her dad was so personal, but Drake’s gift? That’s love that hits deep.”
The Public’s Fascination with Celebrity Grief
The memorial’s intimacy contrasts with the public’s fascination with Rihanna’s grief, a phenomenon explored in a recent Vogue article on celebrities navigating loss in the spotlight. The piece cited stars like Babil Khan and Virat Kohli, noting how social media amplifies both support and scrutiny. Rihanna’s choice to keep the memorial private, while still eliciting such a strong response, reflects her ability to balance vulnerability with control.
Drake’s gift, in particular, has fueled discussions about their relationship. Once tabloid fodder, their bond has evolved into a platonic, respectful friendship. His gesture, paired with the presence of figures like Travis Scott, highlights the tight-knit nature of Rihanna’s circle, a rarity in an industry often marked by competition.
Rihanna’s Path Forward
At 37, Rihanna faces this loss while juggling motherhood, her Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty empires, and anticipation for her ninth album. The memorial, with its focus on Ronald’s legacy, may inspire her creatively, much like her 2022 single “Lift Me Up” channeled grief for Chadwick Boseman. Sources say she’s been writing in the studio, with one telling Billboard, “This loss is hitting her hard, but it’s also lighting a fire. Expect something raw.”
The memorial, and Drake’s gift, offered Rihanna a moment of comfort amid her grief. As @RihNavy88 tweeted, “Drake’s photo album for Rih’s dad is the kind of love that heals. She’s gonna carry this forever.” With her Navy, family, and friends by her side, Rihanna continues to navigate this loss with grace, proving her resilience as both a star and a daughter.
A Legacy of Love and Light
Ronald Fenty’s memorial was a testament to his complex legacy and Rihanna’s enduring strength. Drake’s unexpected gift, paired with the support of her inner circle, provided a beacon of comfort in a time of sorrow. As Rihanna prepares to welcome her third child and face the future, her father’s memory—flawed, human, and deeply influential—remains a guiding light. The world watches, not just for her next hit, but for the heart that keeps shining bright.
