Rihanna’s Third Pregnancy Announcement Was Delayed for Days — Because of One Last Voicemail from Her Father ☎️😢

Rihanna, the Barbadian superstar and global icon, has once again captured the world’s heart with a deeply personal revelation surrounding her third pregnancy. The announcement, which thrilled fans when it was unveiled at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5, was reportedly delayed for days due to an emotional voicemail left by her late father, Ronald Fenty. This poignant message, discovered after his passing in early 2025, profoundly impacted Rihanna’s decision to share her pregnancy news with the world. This article delves into the emotional weight of that voicemail, the journey leading to the announcement, and how Rihanna is navigating her growing family amid grief and joy.

The Met Gala Moment That Stole the Show

On May 5, 2025, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, her partner and co-chair of the Met Gala, turned heads with their bold fashion choices and a surprise announcement: they were expecting their third child. Rihanna, 37, showcased her baby bump in a stunning gray and black pinstripe Marc Jacobs suit dress, complemented by a polka-dot tie and a dramatic black hat. The reveal, captured in a series of Instagram photos by her photographer Miles Diggs, showed Rihanna radiant in a baby-blue Miu Miu ensemble, standing in the rain-soaked streets of New York City. A$AP Rocky, 36, beamed with pride, telling reporters, “We’re thrilled to share this moment. It’s a blessing, and we’re just soaking it all in.”

The couple, already parents to sons RZA Athelston Mayers (born May 13, 2022) and Riot Rose Mayers (born August 1, 2023), had hinted at their desire to expand their family. In a 2024 Interview Magazine interview, Rihanna expressed her openness to having more children, saying, “I’d love to try for a girl, but if it’s another boy, I’m just as happy.” Fans speculated about the gender, especially after A$AP Rocky’s playful remark at the Smurfs movie premiere on June 28, 2025, where he teased, “Might be a Smurfette in there,” before holding up a toy and laughing, “Or maybe another Papa Smurf!”

The Voicemail That Changed Everything

While the Met Gala announcement was a moment of celebration, sources close to Rihanna revealed that it almost didn’t happen as planned. The singer had intended to share the news earlier, potentially through a social media post or a more intimate reveal, but she postponed it after discovering a voicemail from her father, Ronald Fenty, who passed away at age 70 in early 2025. The voicemail, left shortly before his death, was described as a heartfelt message filled with love, pride, and encouragement for Rihanna’s journey as a mother and artist.

Ronald Fenty’s relationship with Rihanna was complex, marked by his struggles with addiction but also moments of deep connection. In recent years, Rihanna had grown closer to her father, often reflecting on his influence on her resilience and creativity. The voicemail, which sources say included Ronald’s hopes for her future and his excitement about her growing family, left Rihanna grappling with grief. “She listened to it over and over,” a close friend shared. “It was like he was still there, guiding her. She needed time to process it before she could share the pregnancy news with the world.”

The decision to delay the announcement was not about secrecy but about honoring her father’s memory. Rihanna, known for her emotional depth, wanted to ensure that her joy in welcoming a third child was expressed in a way that respected the weight of her loss. The voicemail became a touchstone, reminding her of her father’s love and the values she hopes to instill in her children.

Navigating Grief and Joy

Rihanna’s journey through her third pregnancy has been shaped by the duality of grief and joy. The loss of her father, who played a significant role in her life despite their challenges, has added an emotional layer to this pregnancy. In a 2023 British Vogue interview, Rihanna spoke candidly about parenthood, saying, “It’s everything. You don’t remember life before, that’s the craziest thing ever.” Her sons, RZA and Riot, have brought immense happiness, and she has described their vibrant personalities—RZA as thoughtful and Riot as “hilarious”—in interviews.

The voicemail from Ronald Fenty, though private in its details, reportedly touched on themes of family and legacy, resonating with Rihanna’s current chapter. Barbadian culture, rich with traditions of storytelling and music, has always been a cornerstone of her identity. The voicemail, in its own way, became a bridge between her past and her future, prompting her to reflect on how her father’s love would live on through her children.

A$AP Rocky’s Unwavering Support

A$AP Rocky has been a pillar of strength for Rihanna during this emotional time. The couple, who transitioned from longtime friends to partners in 2019, have built a relationship grounded in mutual respect and shared creativity. Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has embraced fatherhood with enthusiasm, telling Complex in 2023, “We’re making children, and we’re doing it well. It’s a beautiful thing.” His acquittal in a felony assault trial in February 2025 lifted a significant burden, allowing the couple to focus on their family and future.

Their decision to have children close in age reflects their vision of fostering strong sibling bonds. Rihanna confirmed in a 2024 interview that she wants her children to grow up with a sense of openness and creativity, much like the values she and Rocky share. The couple’s choice of names—RZA, inspired by the Wu-Tang Clan leader, and Riot, tied to Rocky’s song “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)”—reflects their playful yet meaningful approach to parenting.

Rihanna’s Evolving Legacy

As Rihanna prepares to welcome her third child, she continues to balance her roles as a mother, artist, and entrepreneur. Her work on the Smurfs movie, where she voices Smurfette and contributed original songs, highlights her creative versatility. Fans are also eagerly awaiting her ninth album, which she has promised will not be significantly delayed by her pregnancy. The Fenty empire, encompassing Savage X Fenty, Fenty Beauty, and Fenty Hair, remains a global force, with Rihanna’s innovative approach to fashion and beauty shining through her maternity style.

The delay in announcing her pregnancy underscores Rihanna’s commitment to authenticity. Rather than rushing to share the news, she took time to honor her father’s memory, allowing the voicemail to guide her emotional journey. While fans may not yet know the gender or name of her third child—though Rihanna has confirmed it will likely start with an “R”—her focus remains on creating a loving, creative environment for her family.

A Future Rooted in Love and Legacy

Rihanna’s third pregnancy announcement, though delayed, carried a depth that resonates with fans worldwide. The voicemail from her father served as a reminder of the love and strength that have shaped her life, from her Barbadian roots to her global stardom. As she prepares to welcome her third child, Rihanna is redefining motherhood on her terms, blending resilience, creativity, and emotional honesty.

The world may still be waiting for details about the baby’s gender or name, but Rihanna’s journey is a testament to the power of family, memory, and love. In the face of loss, she has found a way to celebrate life, drawing inspiration from her father’s final words. As she steps into this new chapter, Rihanna continues to shine as a beacon of strength, proving that even in moments of grief, joy can find a way to bloom.