A$AP Rocky Surprises Rihanna With an Intimate Birthday Celebration

21 February 2026

ShotbyNYP / BACKGRID

When Rihanna turned 38 on February 20, the celebration was anything but ordinary. A$AP Rocky quietly orchestrated a surprise birthday party for his longtime partner at Giorgio Baldi, a beloved Italian restaurant in Santa Monica that has become a favourite backdrop for meaningful moments in their relationship. The gathering drew close friends, family and an atmosphere of warmth and affection as the couple marked another year together, blending personal style, parental pride and a sense of gratitude that has defined their life as a duo in the spotlight.

Rocky, 37, who arrived in a casual yet stylish ensemble that included a red plaid shirt, tan trousers and shaded sunglasses, greeted guests and guided the evening with the easy charm he has shown throughout his years with Rihanna. The venue’s private room was festively adorned with silver “Happy Birthday” balloons, ribbons and multicoloured décor hovering above baby blue tablecloths and floral centrepieces that transformed the intimate space into a warmly lit celebration of love and life. Rihanna, radiating in a sheer black dress paired with matching heels and a luxe faux fur jacket, entered amid smiles and cheers, fully embracing the attention and the love that filled the room.

For the couple, who first sparked romance rumours in 2020 before confirming their relationship and building a life together, the evening was a reminder of both how far they’ve come and how grounded they remain amidst careers that show no signs of slowing down. They share three children: sons RZA, 3, Riot, 2, and their daughter Rocki, born last September. Parenthood has deepened their bond and reshaped how they approach both personal milestones and creative pursuits, a topic Rocky has touched on publicly, emphasising the musical environment their children are raised in and the rich tapestry of culture that infuses their home.

The birthday celebration followed a recent stretch in New York City where Rocky debuted his third AWGE fashion collection during Fashion Week, with Rihanna watching proudly from the front row. That appearance highlighted their intertwined lives in music, fashion and family, and the Santa Monica dinner continued that narrative, offering a rare glimpse at a personal celebration for two figures who often make headlines for their professional accomplishments as much as their relationship.

Throughout the evening, conversation and laughter flowed as guests toasted to Rihanna’s successes as a global icon in music, fashion and beauty. Her achievements with Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty have reshaped industry standards while her voice and artistry continue to resonate with fans worldwide. But that public acclaim was momentarily set aside in favour of an evening focused on heartfelt appreciation and private joys shared with those closest to her.

Rocky’s affectionate gestures and the attentive planning that went into the celebration spoke volumes about the dynamic that has become a hallmark of their partnership. Though he has playfully sidestepped questions about their marital status in public, often referring to Rihanna as his “wife” in casual conversation, their bond has been one of mutual respect, creative collaboration and deep familial connection. On this night, as music filled the room and close friends raised a glass, the future of their shared life felt as rich and promising as the night itself.

In a world where celebrity birthdays can be sprawling affairs of spectacle and fanfare, Rocky’s surprise offered something more intimate and sincere. It was a celebration that reflected not only Rihanna’s star power but also the remarkable partnership at the centre of their private and public worlds.