Barbados Declares Rihanna a National Hero After Country Becomes Republic!

Rihanna is being honored by her native Barbados after the Caribbean country became the world’s newest republic!

On Monday, the same day that the nation formally cut political and ceremonial ties with the United Kingdom, it held a Pride of Nationhood ceremony in Rihanna’s hometown of Bridgetown where Prime Minister Mia Mottley declared the “Work” singer a national hero.

In a video of the event published by The Guardian, the Fenty designer accepts her new title while wearing a Bottega Veneta orange silk dress, strappy heels, and a black face mask.

“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,” the prime minister said in her speech.

“May you continue to shine like a diamond and continue to bring honor to your nation by your words, by your actions, and to do credit wherever you shall go,” Mottley added, referencing the songstress’ 2012 hit “Diamonds.”

According to outlets including People and The Hollywood Reporter, Rihanna is the second woman to be given the honor, and the 11th person in total.

Born in Saint Michael, Rihanna was raised in the country’s capital of Bridgetown before she moved to the U.S. to pursue a music career.

With her new honor, Rihanna may use the title of right honorable in front of her name.

Barbados declared its independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, but Queen Elizabeth II continued her role as head of state.

Though it is now a republic, Barbados will remain in the Commonwealth organization of nations.

In August of this year, Forbes declared Rihanna to be a billionaire as, at the time, the publication projected that approximately $1.4 billion of her fortune comes from the value of her cosmetic line Fenty Beauty, a company in which she owns 50 percent.