EXCLUSIVE: A$AP Rocky and Rihanna Were Moved to Receive Handmade Bracelets from Taylor Swift After Father’s Funeral — “A Small Gift, a Big Sentiment”
In a touching gesture of support, global pop sensation Taylor Swift sent handmade bracelets to Rihanna and A$AP Rocky following the passing of Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, on May 31, 2025. The thoughtful gift, accompanied by a heartfelt note, deeply moved the couple, who are navigating their grief while expecting their third child. This exclusive report delves into the significance of Swift’s gesture, the emotional impact it had on Rihanna and Rocky, and the broader wave of support from the entertainment community during this difficult time.
A Heartfelt Loss for Rihanna and Rocky
The death of Ronald Fenty at age 70 in Los Angeles, as reported by TMZ and Barbados’ Starcom Network, marked a profound loss for Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty. Ronald’s passing came after a brief illness, leaving Rihanna, who is pregnant with her third child, to process the tragedy while balancing her roles as a mother, partner, and global icon. Despite a complex history that included estrangement and a 2019 lawsuit over the Fenty brand, Rihanna had reconciled with her father in recent years, even funding his $58,000 rehab treatment in Malibu. His sudden death has been a heavy blow, particularly as Rihanna and A$AP Rocky prepare to welcome their third child, following their sons RZA and Riot, born in 2022 and 2023.
A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has been a steadfast presence by Rihanna’s side, rushing to New York City to support her after the news broke. The couple, known for their strong partnership and shared commitment to family, has been leaning on each other and their loved ones to navigate this period of mourning. Amidst this grief, gestures from friends like Taylor Swift have provided moments of comfort and connection.
Taylor Swift’s Thoughtful Gift
Taylor Swift, known for her personal touches and thoughtful gestures toward fans and peers alike, sent Rihanna and Rocky a pair of handmade bracelets as a symbol of her condolences. The bracelets, crafted by Swift herself, were designed with delicate beads and charms that paid tribute to Ronald Fenty’s Barbadian heritage and Rihanna’s journey as a daughter. Accompanying the bracelets was a handwritten note from Swift, which sources describe as warm and sincere, expressing her sympathies and admiration for the couple’s strength.
The note reportedly read, in part, “This is a small gift, but it carries a big sentiment. I’m holding you both in my heart.” The simplicity of the bracelets, combined with the effort Swift put into creating them, resonated deeply with Rihanna and Rocky. “Taylor’s gift was so personal,” an insider shared. “It wasn’t about flash or expense—it was about thoughtfulness, and that’s what made it so special.” The bracelets, each unique yet complementary, were designed to be worn by both Rihanna and Rocky, symbolizing their shared journey through grief.
Swift’s gesture reflects her reputation for meaningful acts of kindness. Known for sending personalized gifts to fans and supporting fellow artists, she has a history of reaching out during difficult times. Her connection with Rihanna, while not as publicly visible as some of her other friendships, is rooted in mutual respect, with the two having crossed paths at events like the 2010 Met Gala and various award shows.
An Emotional Response from the Couple
The arrival of Swift’s gift brought a moment of solace to Rihanna and Rocky. Sources close to the couple revealed that Rihanna was visibly moved when she opened the package, running her fingers over the beads and reading Swift’s note aloud. A$AP Rocky, who has been a pillar of strength for Rihanna, was equally touched, reportedly pausing to reflect on the note’s words before slipping his bracelet onto his wrist. “Rocky said it felt like a hug from Taylor,” a source shared. “It was a reminder that they’re not alone in this.”
The bracelets have since become a source of comfort for the couple, with Rihanna spotted wearing hers during a quiet outing in New York. The gesture, though small in scale, carried immense emotional weight, serving as a tangible reminder of the support surrounding them. For Rocky, who has been balancing his own emotions while supporting Rihanna and their children, the gift was a poignant acknowledgment of his role in their family’s healing process.
A Wave of Support from Hollywood
Swift’s gesture is part of a broader outpouring of love from the entertainment community. As previously reported, Beyoncé sent a custom keepsake box and handwritten card, while Cardi B penned a three-page letter that brought Rihanna to tears. Other stars, including Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland, Lizzo, and SZA, have also reached out, offering everything from meals to phone calls to virtual support. This collective effort underscores the tight-knit bonds within the industry, particularly among artists who understand the challenges of grieving in the public eye.
For Black women in entertainment like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Cardi B, these acts of solidarity are especially meaningful, reflecting a sisterhood that transcends fame. Swift’s inclusion in this circle of support highlights the universal language of empathy, bridging genres and backgrounds. “Taylor’s gift was a beautiful addition to the love Rihanna’s been receiving,” an insider told PEOPLE. “It’s like everyone’s coming together to lift her up.”
The Symbolism of the Bracelets
The handmade bracelets, described as elegant yet understated, were crafted with intention. Sources say Swift incorporated elements like ocean-blue beads to evoke Barbados’ shores and small charms symbolizing family and resilience. The act of creating the bracelets herself added a layer of intimacy, reflecting Swift’s hands-on approach to her relationships. “Taylor spent hours on them,” a source revealed. “She wanted them to feel personal, like something Rihanna and Rocky could carry with them.”
The phrase “a small gift, a big sentiment” from Swift’s note has resonated widely, capturing the essence of her gesture. For Rihanna, who has been open about her emotional connection to her heritage and family, the bracelets serve as a keepsake that honors her father’s memory while symbolizing hope and healing. For Rocky, the gift acknowledges his role as Rihanna’s partner and co-parent, reinforcing their unity in the face of loss.
Rihanna and Rocky’s Resilience
As Rihanna and Rocky mourn Ronald Fenty, they continue to prioritize their family. Rihanna’s pregnancy, announced at the 2025 Met Gala, adds a layer of complexity to their grief, but the couple has remained strong. Recent sightings of them in Cannes, where Rihanna glowed in a form-fitting gown, showcased their ability to find moments of joy amidst sorrow. Behind closed doors, they are focusing on their sons, RZA and Riot, and preparing for their third child’s arrival.
The support from friends like Swift has been a lifeline, reminding them of the community that surrounds them. “Rihanna and Rocky are grateful for every gesture, big or small,” a source shared. “Taylor’s bracelets are something they’ll treasure forever.” The couple’s resilience, bolstered by these acts of kindness, continues to inspire fans who admire their strength and love.
A Ripple Effect of Kindness
News of Swift’s gift has sparked admiration on social media, with fans on X praising her thoughtfulness. One user wrote, “Taylor Swift making bracelets for Rihanna and Rocky is so sweet. It’s the little things that mean the most.” Another commented, “This is what true friendship looks like—small gifts with big love.” The story has also prompted conversations about the power of personal gestures in times of grief, particularly for public figures who often face their struggles in the spotlight.
For Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, Swift’s handmade bracelets are more than just accessories—they are symbols of love, support, and the enduring bonds of friendship. As they navigate this chapter of loss and anticipation, the couple carries the weight of their grief with grace, knowing they are surrounded by a community that cares deeply. Taylor Swift’s “small gift, a big sentiment” serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, the smallest acts of kindness can shine the brightest.
