Barbados declares Rihanna a National Hero as it becomes world’s newest republic

SHARE NOW

Rihanna has been declared a National Hero by her home country of Barbados.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the singer received the island nation’s high honor Monday night at the Pride of Nationhood ceremony in Bridgetown.

“May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation by your works, by your actions,” Prime Minister Mia Mottley told the singer, referencing her 2012 hit “Diamonds.”

Rihanna becomes just the second woman to receive the National Hero honor, and the 11th person overall. She can now use the title of Right Honorable in front of her name.

At the same ceremony Monday, Barbados formally cut ties with the U.K. and removed Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. In doing so, Barbados becomes the world’s newest republic.

Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.