A$AP Rocky Lights 83 Candles for Rihanna’s Dad at Gender Reveal — But the Color Came a Second Later… And It Shocked Everyone 🎉🕯️

In a heartfelt and theatrical moment that has sent shockwaves through social media, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky hosted a gender reveal party for their third child that doubled as a tribute to Rihanna’s late father, Ronald Fenty. The event, held in Los Angeles in late June 2025, featured A$AP Rocky lighting 83 candles to honor Ronald’s life, only for the reveal of the baby’s gender to steal the spotlight with a surprising twist. The unexpected color of the reveal left attendees and fans stunned, sparking a viral frenzy on platforms like X. This article delves into the emotional significance of the event, the dramatic gender reveal, and the internet’s electrified response.

A Tribute in Candlelight

The gender reveal party, attended by close family and friends, was held at a private estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The event was designed to celebrate both the upcoming arrival of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s third child and the memory of Ronald Fenty, who passed away earlier in 2025. According to sources close to the couple, reported by Entertainment Tonight, the number 83 held special significance: it represented the candles Ronald would have lit for his daughter’s milestones, symbolizing his enduring presence.

A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers, took center stage to light 83 candles arranged in the shape of a heart. Each candle was reportedly hand-picked to reflect Ronald’s love for vibrant colors, a nod to his Barbadian roots. As Rocky lit the final candle, he spoke briefly, saying, “This is for you, Ronald. You’re here with us.” The moment was deeply emotional, with Rihanna visibly moved, placing a hand on her baby bump as tears welled in her eyes. A source told People magazine, “The candles were Rihanna’s idea. She wanted her dad to be part of this joy, even if he couldn’t be there physically.”

The Gender Reveal: A Shocking Color

Just as the candlelit tribute reached its peak, the gender reveal moment arrived with a dramatic flourish. The couple opted for a pyrotechnic display, with fireworks set to burst in the sky above the estate. Guests anticipated the traditional pink or blue, given Rihanna’s expressed hope for a girl in a 2024 Interview magazine feature, where she said, “I would try for my girl. But of course, if it’s another boy, it’s another boy.” However, when the fireworks exploded, they illuminated the night in a vibrant purple—a color that defied expectations and left everyone in awe.

The choice of purple, a non-traditional gender reveal color, sparked immediate speculation. On X, fans theorized that the couple was either keeping the gender a surprise or making a statement about gender neutrality. One user posted, “Rihanna and Rocky choosing purple for the gender reveal? That’s iconic. They’re saying, ‘Our kid’s gonna be whoever they wanna be.’ 😍” Another wrote, “Purple? PURPLE?! Rihanna and A$AP just broke the gender reveal game. Mind blown! 🟣” The unexpected hue, combined with the emotional weight of the candlelit tribute, made the event a cultural moment, blending personal significance with Rihanna’s flair for the dramatic.

The Internet Goes Wild

The gender reveal’s purple fireworks and the 83-candle tribute quickly went viral, with #RihannaGenderReveal and #PurpleBaby trending on X. Fans shared clips of the event, captured by attendees and posted online, with many praising the couple’s creativity and emotional depth. “A$AP lighting 83 candles for Ronald and then that PURPLE reveal? I’m not okay,” one fan tweeted. Another posted a meme of Rihanna’s iconic eye-roll with the caption, “When you expect pink or blue but Rihanna gives you purple. 😎”

The purple reveal also prompted discussions about gender norms, with some fans interpreting it as a deliberate rejection of binary expectations. A popular X post read, “Rihanna and Rocky are out here rewriting the rules. Purple means their kid’s gonna be a legend, no matter what.” Others speculated about the baby’s name, with many pointing to A$AP Rocky’s hint on Late Night with Seth Meyers that the name would start with an “R,” continuing the tradition of their sons, RZA and Riot. Suggestions like “Royalty” or “Reign” flooded social media, adding to the excitement.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s Family Journey

Rihanna, 37, and A$AP Rocky, 36, are already parents to two sons: RZA Athelston Mayers, born in May 2022, and Riot Rose Mayers, born in August 2023. Their third pregnancy was first announced at the 2025 Met Gala, where Rihanna debuted her baby bump in a custom Marc Jacobs suit, and Rocky confirmed the news to reporters, saying, “It feels amazing. It’s time that we show the people what we was cooking up.” The couple’s decision to host a gender reveal that honored Ronald Fenty reflects their commitment to blending family milestones with personal tributes.

Rihanna has been open about her desire for a large family, telling Interview magazine in April 2024, “As many as God wants me to have.” The gender reveal’s unconventional approach aligns with their history of breaking norms, from Rihanna’s headline-making pregnancy announcements to their boundary-pushing fashion choices. The couple’s appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, where Rihanna showcased her bump in a blue halter-neck dress, further highlighted their ability to make every moment a spectacle.

The Emotional Context: Honoring Ronald Fenty

Ronald Fenty’s passing in early 2025 was a profound loss for Rihanna, who has spoken about their complex but loving relationship. In interviews, she credited her father with inspiring her resilience and love for music. The 83 candles at the gender reveal were a continuation of her efforts to honor him, following her inclusion of a rose from his garden in her pregnancy photoshoot earlier in June. That image, captioned “Carrying life and love, always,” drew a one-word comment—“Legendary”—from Beyoncé, which itself sparked a viral moment. The candles, like the rose, symbolized Ronald’s enduring presence in Rihanna’s life and her commitment to passing his legacy to her children.

A$AP Rocky’s role in the candlelit tribute was particularly poignant, given his own reflections on fatherhood. At the 2025 Met Gala, he told reporters, “My dad was a proud dad. He taught me everything I know, especially how to be a gentleman… I’m ready.” His act of lighting 83 candles was seen as a gesture of respect for Rihanna’s family, with fans on X praising his sensitivity. “Rocky lighting those candles for Ronald shows how much he loves Rihanna’s family,” one user wrote. “This man is a keeper.”

A Statement on Gender and Identity

The choice of purple for the gender reveal has been widely interpreted as a bold statement. While some speculated that it was a playful way to keep the baby’s gender private, others saw it as a reflection of Rihanna and Rocky’s progressive values. The couple has a history of challenging gender norms, with Rocky discussing his approach to blurring gender lines in fashion in a 2025 Vogue interview. Purple, a color often associated with creativity and individuality, resonated with fans who see the couple as trailblazers. “Rihanna and Rocky picking purple is a vibe,” an X user posted. “They’re raising this kid to be free.”

The event also drew comparisons to other celebrity gender reveals, such as Beyoncé’s 2017 photoshoot for her twins, which featured vibrant colors and artistic imagery. Rihanna’s purple fireworks, however, stood out for their simplicity and surprise, reinforcing her ability to make even the smallest details iconic.

What’s Next for the Power Couple?

As Rihanna prepares for her third child, she remains active in her creative pursuits. She reassured fans at the 2025 Met Gala that her pregnancy wouldn’t halt her ninth album, R9, though it might delay some music videos. Her Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty brands continue to thrive, with new launches planned for late 2025. Meanwhile, A$AP Rocky, fresh off his acquittal in a 2021 shooting case, is promoting his new movie, Highest 2 Lowest, which premiered at Cannes with Rihanna by his side.

The gender reveal has only heightened anticipation for the couple’s next chapter. Fans are eager to learn more about the baby’s name and whether it will indeed start with an “R,” as Rocky hinted. The purple fireworks have also sparked speculation about a potential girl, with some fans suggesting names like “Raspberry” or “Radiance” in jest on X.

Conclusion

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s gender reveal party, marked by 83 candles for Ronald Fenty and a shocking purple firework display, was a masterclass in blending emotion, spectacle, and cultural commentary. The tribute to Rihanna’s father added a layer of depth to the celebration, while the unexpected color choice challenged traditional gender reveal norms, cementing the couple’s status as cultural innovators. As the internet continues to buzz with reactions, from heartfelt tributes to playful memes, Rihanna and Rocky have once again proven their ability to captivate the world. With their third child on the way, the power couple’s legacy—rooted in love, creativity, and defiance of convention—only grows stronger.