Rihanna says pregnancy has 'unlocked new levels of love and respect' for her mother
Rihanna says she has "new levels of love and respect" for her mother due to pregnancy as she shares a sweet throwback of the pair to mark her birthday.
The singer and Fenty founder, 34, has hailed her mum the 'true MVP' (most valuable player) and wants to "give her flowers every second I can".
The image features a young Rihanna and her mother, Monica Braithwaite, both wearing what looks like white ruffled dresses in Church together.
"Today is my Queen's birthday!!! Being on the verge of motherhood, unlocked new levels of love and respect I have for my mommy in a way that I could never explain!" her caption reads.
"She's the true MVP and I wanna give her flowers every second I can! Love you mumzzzz!! Happy Birthday!"
She also promises, "We gon celebrate on da link up!"
Fans loved the sweet tribute, commenting, "No words, only emotions", "happy birthday monica!!!!!! once your baby is born, the 3 of y’all are gonna have so much fun", and "MAMA RI" with a string of hearts.
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In a previous video for Vogue, in which her now boyfriend rapper and producer A$AP Rocky who she's expecting her first child with, interviewed her, Rihanna revealed her number one beauty icon is her mum.
"My entire concept of beauty came form her," she said. "I was always so intrigued by her. I wanted to dress like her. I wanted to look like her. I wanted to do my hair like her, do my makeup like her."
"She was a sales clerk for beauty products and perfume and makeup. It's so weird that it's come full circle that all of these ventures are things that I've extended my creativity to, and it has been a part of my brand overall. So I learned from the best, you know. I had the best teacher."
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Rihanna recently joked she's going to be a "psycho" mum in an interview with ELLE.com, in terms of making sure her little one is protected.
Taking inspiration from The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice, she said, "She will flatten you about those kids. And that resonates with me a lot because I feel like that's the type of mum I'm going to be. Psycho about it.
"You talk about my kids, it's over."
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Rihanna first revealed she was pregnant in January via photographs of her and A$AP Rocky out and about in New York, with her pink puffer coat opened to reveal her baby bump.
She has since become a fashion icon for maternity outfits, not afraid to still be glamorous, wear whatever she wants, and accentuate rather than try and hide her baby bump.
The soon-to-be parents reportedly starting dating in 2020, only occasionally appearing in public together. But in September 2021, they memorably made their red carpet debut together as a couple at the Met Gala, where they rocked oversized co-ordinating looks.
