Rihanna has long been admired by fans for her music, makeup and clothing lines, and she is now also being honored by government officials. According to Consequence, the Anti artist was recently named National Hero of Barbados by the country’s Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
The singer’s home country actually just became an independent country last year after it abolished its centuries-long ties to the English monarchy. Since gaining their independence, the nation elected Sandra Mason as their first-ever president and is now celebrating their hero’s honor in her hometown of Bridgetown.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we therefore present to you the designee for national hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty,” Prime Minister Mottley said. “May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation by your words, by your actions, and to give credit wherever you shall do it.”
It’s been almost ten years since Rihanna shared her song “Diamonds,” and five years since she released any new music, but she has still been busy with her Fenty makeup and lingerie line. Last year, King Khan and Saba Lou sued Rihanna for alleged copyright infringement in her promotion for the line when she used their 2012 song “Good Habits (and Bad)” without permission in an Instagram clip to advertise the fashion brand. Artists continue to cover her music — such as Cat Power’s version of “Stay” — and can now look up to her artistry and contributions toward the people of Barbados.