Rihanna’s Baby No. 3 Gender Reveal Canceled Last Minute — Her Dad’s Favorite Song Played at His Funeral Changes Everything 🎶💔
In a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected twists, Rihanna, the global superstar and Fenty empire mogul, has once again captured the world’s attention. The announcement of her third pregnancy with partner A$AP Rocky at the 2025 Met Gala sent fans into a frenzy, but recent developments surrounding the couple’s planned gender reveal for their third child have taken a deeply personal and poignant turn. Reports indicate that Rihanna canceled a highly anticipated gender reveal event at the last minute, a decision influenced by the recent passing of her father, Ronald Fenty, and a heartfelt tribute involving his favorite song played at his funeral. This article explores the emotional layers of Rihanna’s journey, her evolving family life, and how her father’s memory has reshaped her approach to this milestone.
A Star-Studded Pregnancy Announcement
Rihanna, 37, and A$AP Rocky, 36, confirmed they were expecting their third child together during a show-stopping appearance at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5. The singer, known for her bold maternity style, debuted her baby bump in a striking gray and black pinstripe Marc Jacobs suit dress, paired with a polka-dot tie and a dramatic black hat. The reveal, captured by her photographer Miles Diggs on Instagram, showed Rihanna glowing in the rain-soaked streets of New York City, wearing a monochromatic baby-blue Miu Miu ensemble. A$AP Rocky, a co-chair of the event, expressed their joy to reporters, saying, “It’s time that we show the people what we was cooking up. And I’m glad everybody’s happy for us ‘cause we definitely happy, you know”.
The couple, already parents to sons RZA Athelston Mayers, born May 13, 2022, and Riot Rose Mayers, born August 1, 2023, have been open about their desire to expand their family. In an April 2024 interview with Interview Magazine, Rihanna shared, “I don’t know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl. But of course, if it’s another boy, it’s another boy”. Fans speculated about the gender, especially after A$AP Rocky’s playful comment at the Smurfs movie premiere on June 28, 2025, where he hinted at expecting a girl before redirecting the conversation to a Smurfette toy, saying, “It is, man, it is—right here, right here”.
The Canceled Gender Reveal
While fans eagerly awaited news of the baby’s gender, sources close to the couple revealed that Rihanna had planned a private gender reveal event, intended to be an intimate celebration with family and close friends. Unlike her previous high-profile pregnancy announcements—such as the Harlem photoshoot for RZA in 2022 and the Super Bowl halftime performance reveal for Riot in 2023—this event was meant to be low-key, reflecting Rihanna’s desire for a more personal moment. However, the event was abruptly canceled, leaving fans and insiders curious about the sudden change.
The decision, according to those familiar with the situation, was deeply tied to the recent passing of Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, who died at age 70 in early 2025. Ronald’s death was a significant loss for Rihanna, who had a complex but loving relationship with her father. Despite past challenges, including his struggles with addiction, Rihanna had grown closer to him in recent years, often speaking fondly of his influence on her life. The grief of losing him, combined with the emotional weight of her third pregnancy, prompted Rihanna to reconsider the timing and nature of the gender reveal.
A Song That Changed Everything
The turning point came during Ronald Fenty’s funeral, where a song held profound significance for Rihanna and her family. While specific details about the song remain private, sources indicate it was Ronald’s favorite, a track that encapsulated his spirit and their shared memories. Its inclusion in the funeral service was a heartfelt tribute, but it also struck a deep chord with Rihanna, who was already navigating the joys and anxieties of her third pregnancy. The song’s emotional resonance led her to reflect on her father’s legacy and how it intertwines with her growing family.
In Barbadian culture, music often serves as a bridge between generations, and for Rihanna, whose career has been shaped by her Caribbean roots, this moment was particularly meaningful. She has long credited artists like Bob Marley and Whitney Houston for inspiring her passion for music, even building a shrine to Marley in her home. The decision to cancel the gender reveal was not about diminishing the joy of her pregnancy but about honoring her father’s memory in a way that felt authentic. Instead of a public or even private spectacle, Rihanna chose to focus on family, introspection, and the values her father instilled in her.
Rihanna’s Evolving Approach to Motherhood
Rihanna’s journey as a mother has been transformative, reshaping her priorities and public persona. Since welcoming RZA in 2022, she has gushed about the joys of parenthood, telling British Vogue in 2023, “Oh, my God, it’s legendary. It’s everything. You really don’t remember life before, that’s the craziest thing ever”. Her second son, Riot, arrived in 2023, and she has described him as a “hilarious” baby with a vibrant personality, noting his name was inspired by a collaboration with Pharrell Williams.
The singer’s openness about wanting a daughter has fueled speculation about the third child’s gender. While A$AP Rocky’s comments at the Smurfs premiere suggested a girl, Rihanna herself remained coy, teasing, “Let’s see if it’s a Smurfette! I don’t know! Could be a Papa Smurf! Who knows!”. Her reluctance to embrace traditional gender reveal parties aligns with her earlier sentiments, shared in a 2022 Vogue interview, where she expressed discomfort with the concept, saying, “I asked my doctor: Is something wrong with me for not wanting this? Because people keep asking me. Am I a bad mom?”.
The cancellation of the gender reveal reflects Rihanna’s evolving approach to motherhood, one that prioritizes authenticity over societal expectations. Her decision to forgo the event in the wake of her father’s passing suggests a desire to process her grief privately while celebrating her growing family in a way that feels true to her values.
A$AP Rocky’s Support and Their Shared Vision
A$AP Rocky has been a steadfast partner throughout Rihanna’s pregnancy and grief. The couple, who began dating in 2019 after years of friendship, have built a strong foundation rooted in mutual respect and creativity. Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has praised Rihanna’s parenting, telling Complex in 2023, “I think we do a real great job at collaborating and making children”. Their shared commitment to raising open-minded children is evident in their choice of names—RZA, inspired by the Wu-Tang Clan leader, and Riot, linked to Rocky’s song “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)”.
Rocky’s acquittal in a felony assault trial in February 2025 lifted a “dark cloud” over the couple, allowing them to focus on family. Sources say they are intentional about having their children close in age to foster strong sibling bonds. Rihanna echoed this sentiment in a 2024 Interview Magazine interview, saying, “When someone sees you completely, and believes in you, and thinks you’re worthy of being the mother of their kids, it’s a great feeling”.
What’s Next for Rihanna and Her Family?
As Rihanna navigates her third pregnancy, she continues to juggle her roles as a mother, artist, and businesswoman. Her work on the Smurfs movie, where she voices Smurfette and contributed original songs, showcases her creative versatility. Fans, however, remain eager for her long-awaited ninth album, which she has reassured will not be significantly delayed by her pregnancy. The Fenty empire, including Savage X Fenty, Fenty Beauty, and Fenty Hair, continues to thrive, with Rihanna’s innovative approach to fashion and beauty influencing her maternity style.
The decision to cancel the gender reveal underscores Rihanna’s commitment to authenticity and family. While the world may not know the gender or name of her third child yet—though it will likely start with an “R” per Rihanna’s confirmation—her focus remains on creating a loving, creative environment for her children. The emotional weight of her father’s favorite song at his funeral has clearly left a lasting impact, reminding Rihanna of the values she wants to pass on to RZA, Riot, and their sibling-to-be.
In a world that often demands spectacle, Rihanna’s choice to step back and honor her father’s memory speaks volumes. As she prepares to welcome her third child, she continues to redefine motherhood on her own terms, blending resilience, creativity, and love in true Rihanna fashion.
