At 04:21 PM +07 on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, global superstar Rihanna has opened up about a deeply personal influence shaping her journey as a mother. During the Los Angeles premiere of the animated film Smurfs on July 13, 2025, the 37-year-old singer and entrepreneur shared an exclusive insight into how her late father, Ronald Fenty, continues to guide her parenting philosophy. Ronald, who passed away in May 2025 at the age of 70, left a lasting imprint on Rihanna’s approach to raising her sons, RZA and Riot Rose, with partner A$AP Rocky, as well as her expectations for their third child on the way. This revelation, offered during a candid conversation with Entertainment Tonight, blends nostalgia with a modern parenting stance, sparking widespread admiration and curiosity. This article explores Rihanna’s reflections, the context of her relationship with her father, the practical implications of her parenting style, the cultural resonance, and the public’s varied responses to this heartfelt disclosure.

The Reflection: A Father’s Influence on Motherhood

At the Smurfs premiere, Rihanna stood out in a mermaid-style gown that accentuated her growing baby bump, flanked by her stylish sons, RZA, 3, and Riot Rose, 1, dressed in custom Dior outfits. Amid the blue-carpet festivities, she paused to speak with ET’s Kevin Frazier, revealing how her father’s memory shapes her family life. “I’ve always dreamed of what type of grandfather he would be to them because of the favorite parts of my dad,” she said, her voice tinged with emotion. She credited Ronald’s adventurous spirit for preparing her to raise two boys, describing him as the source of her own “outside side” and “daredevil” nature. “It’s how I want to raise them. I want them to be outside and in nature. No tablet babies,” she declared, emphasizing a screen-free upbringing rooted in outdoor exploration.

Rihanna elaborated on her childhood memories, recalling the “funnest part” of her life as “running around outside, barefoot, free.” This nostalgia drives her decision to steer her children away from digital devices, a choice she ties directly to her father’s influence. When asked if her upbringing inspired this mindset, she affirmed, “Oh, for sure,” highlighting a deliberate effort to replicate the freedom she experienced. This stance comes as she and A$AP Rocky prepare to welcome their third child, continuing a family tradition of “R” names, a detail she shared with a laugh, noting it’s the one thing they don’t argue over.

Context of the Relationship: A Complicated Bond

Rihanna’s relationship with Ronald Fenty was marked by complexity, shaped by both love and tension. Born in Barbados, Ronald was a warehouse supervisor of African, Irish, English, and Scottish descent, raising Rihanna alongside her mother, Monica Braithwaite, until their divorce when Rihanna was 14. His struggles with alcoholism and crack cocaine addiction cast a shadow over her early years, contributing to domestic strife that Rihanna has openly discussed. In a 2012 Oprah Winfrey interview, she grappled with reconciling his abusive behavior toward her mother with his strengths as a father, ultimately saying, “He taught me everything, and as awful as he was to my mom, at times, it didn’t compare to how great he was as a father.”

This duality led to periods of estrangement, notably after Ronald spoke to the press about her 2009 assault by Chris Brown without her consent, an act she called “really strange” in a 2011 Vogue interview. However, reconciliation followed, and by 2023, Ronald had met RZA during a visit to Barbados, describing the toddler as resembling both Rihanna and Rocky in a Page Six interview. His death in May 2025, attributed to respiratory failure, pancreatic cancer, and renal complications, came after a brief illness, marking a poignant end to their mended bond. Rihanna attended his funeral in Barbados on July 8, 2025, with her sons and Rocky, a public gesture of closure that underscores his enduring influence.

Practical Implications: Raising ‘No Tablet Babies’

Rihanna’s commitment to a nature-focused upbringing reflects a growing parental trend amid 2025’s heightened concerns about screen time. Her “no tablet babies” philosophy rejects the reliance on devices that has become common, with studies suggesting excessive screen use can impact child development. Instead, she envisions a childhood filled with physical adventure—barefoot runs, outdoor play, and environmental connection—mirroring her own experiences. This approach aligns with her Barbados roots, where outdoor life was a norm, and contrasts with the urban, tech-saturated environment of Los Angeles, where she now raises her family.

Practically, this means prioritizing activities like park visits and nature trips over iPad games, a challenge given her demanding career with Fenty Beauty and Savage x Fenty. Her sons’ premiere attire and her own maternity style suggest a balance between fashion and functionality, ensuring comfort for active play. With a third child expected, this philosophy may extend to a larger brood, potentially influencing A$AP Rocky’s parenting as well, who has praised their collaborative family dynamic in past interviews. The couple’s plan for a big family, inspired by the Wayans clan, hints at a legacy built on these values.

Cultural Resonance: Breaking Generational Patterns

Rihanna’s parenting style carries cultural weight, challenging modern norms while honoring her heritage. Her rejection of “tablet babies” taps into a 2025 discourse on digital detoxes, with figures like pediatricians advocating for nature-based play to foster resilience. It also breaks from the generational curses she’s spoken about, such as her father’s addiction and its family impact, as noted in a 2023 Access Hollywood interview where she aimed to raise her kids “better than we were raised.” This mirrors her 2022 Instagram tribute to Monica, where impending motherhood deepened her appreciation for her mother’s strength.

The approach also elevates Barbadian culture, emphasizing outdoor freedom over Western tech reliance, a stance that resonates with global audiences amid climate awareness. Yet, it risks criticism as privileged idealism, given her wealth enables such choices, unlike less-resourced families. Her influence as a celebrity mom—seen in her 2023 Super Bowl pregnancy reveal—amplifies this message, potentially inspiring a movement, though some see it as a curated image tied to Smurfs promotion.

Public Reaction: Admiration, Debate, and Inspiration

By July 16, 2025, Rihanna’s comments have sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with #RihannaParenting trending alongside Smurfs-related hashtags. Fans celebrate her approach, with posts praising her “natural mom vibes” and sharing barefoot childhood photos, reflecting a nostalgic longing. The sight of RZA and Riot at the premiere, styled yet playful, has fueled admiration, with one user noting, “RiRi’s raising kings the old-school way!”

Skeptics, however, question the feasibility, with some arguing, “Easy to say no tablets when you have nannies and wealth.” Others tie it to Smurfs marketing, suggesting a scripted narrative, especially given Paramount’s $150 million investment. Media coverage varies, with Essence highlighting her emotional depth and The Guardian probing the practicality for average parents. The lack of a follow-up statement keeps the conversation alive, blending inspiration with scrutiny.

Production Context and Viewing Guide

The story stems from the Smurfs premiere footage, ET’s interview, and social media buzz, with no official Rihanna statement beyond the red-carpet chat. The event’s family focus, captured in Paramount’s YouTube streams, provides context, while her past interviews offer backstory on her father.

For the best experience, watch the ET interview clip, paired with Smurfs trailers for the event’s vibe. Suitable for all ages, it’s a touching watch, though the personal stakes may move some, with tissues handy for the emotional reflections.

Conclusion

On July 13, 2025, Rihanna’s exclusive revelation at the Smurfs premiere showcased how her late father, Ronald Fenty, inspires her to raise her sons with adventure and nature, free from screens. From a reconciled past to a nature-focused present, this philosophy shapes her growing family with A$AP Rocky. As public reactions range from awe to debate, it highlights a personal legacy redefining motherhood in the public eye.