Barbados declares 'diamond' Rihanna a National Hero
Rihanna has been given a rare honour in her hometown of Bridgetown.
Barbados declared the 'Diamonds' singer a National Hero during the presidential inauguration ceremony in Heroes Square on Monday night local time (Tuesday evening AEDT), marking the country's transition to a republic within the Commonwealth.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced the 33-year-old's hero status to cheers.
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Rihanna has been given a rare honour in her hometown of Bridgetown Getty
Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that the 33-year-old would be conferred with the honour of National Hero of Barbados to cheers Getty
Rihanna was called up before the crowds to be congratulated by Mottley.
"On behalf of a grateful nation and an even prouder people, we therefore present to you, to the designee, a National Hero of Barbados, ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty," Mottley said, using the singer's full name.
"May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honour to your nation by your works, by your actions," she added in reference to Rihanna's 2012 chart-topping single.
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Prince Charles, who was also at the ceremony, personally congratulated the pop superstar.
The Barbadian businesswoman officially became a billionaire earlier this year, according to Forbes magazine.
Prince Charles, who was also at the ceremony, personally congratulated the pop superstar Getty
Prince Charles speaks as Rihanna looks on during the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square Getty
The business magazine labelled Ri-Ri, as she's affectionately known by fans, the wealthiest female musician and the second-richest woman in entertainment behind Oprah Winfrey.
The 33-year-old, who hasn't dropped a new album in five years, has an estimated net worth of US$1.7 billion ($2.3 billion), thanks largely to her business venture Fenty Beauty.
Forbes estimates Fenty Beauty alone is worth US$2.8 billion ($3.8 billion).
The singer has also dedicated her time to building her business empire through her Savage x Fenty lingerie line.
- Reported with Reuters and CNN.
