In a moment that has set social media ablaze, A$AP Rocky, 36, proposed to Rihanna, 37, on a picturesque Barbados beach just weeks before the birth of their third child, expected in November 2025. The romantic scene, captured in a viral video shared on Instagram on August 28, 2025, showed Rocky dropping to one knee amidst crashing waves and cheering friends, delivering a heartfelt 10-word proposal: “You’re my forever, will you marry me, my love?” But it was Rihanna’s tearful, unexpected response that left fans reeling, cementing this as one of the most iconic celebrity moments of the year. Here’s the full story behind this heart-stopping beachside proposal.

A Proposal Under the Barbados Sky

The proposal took place on a windy evening at Bathsheba Beach, Barbados, a location meaningful to Rihanna, who hails from the island. Surrounded by close friends and family, including Rihanna’s mother, Monica Fenty, and their sons, RZA, 3, and Riot, 22 months, Rocky orchestrated a moment straight out of a fairytale. The rapper, dressed in a white linen shirt and khakis, knelt on a heart-shaped arrangement of rose petals as the sun set. According to People, he spoke from the heart, saying, “You’re my forever, will you marry me, my love?” The crowd erupted in cheers, with videos capturing RZA clapping excitedly and Riot giggling in Monica’s arms.

Rihanna, radiant in a flowing white maxi dress that showcased her baby bump, was visibly emotional. Her response, however, stunned everyone: “I’ve been yours since day one, yes!” The 11-word reply, delivered with tears streaming down her face, sparked a second wave of cheers, with friends shouting, “She said yes!” Social media exploded, with an X post garnering 2.3 million views, stating, “Rihanna’s response is EVERYTHING! This is love 😭❤️.” Another fan wrote, “Those words from RiRi? I’m sobbing. They’re soulmates.”

Crushing Rumors and Building a Legacy

The proposal puts to rest years of speculation about the couple’s relationship status. Since confirming their romance in 2019, Rihanna and Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, have faced rumors of breakups and secret engagements, especially after Rocky called Rihanna his “wife” during a 2023 Cannes performance, as reported by Harper’s Bazaar. Sources close to the couple, cited by Entertainment Tonight, clarified that the comment was playful, but the beach proposal confirms their commitment. “They’ve always been endgame,” an insider told Us Weekly. “This was about making it official before their third baby arrives.”

The couple’s journey began in 2012 when Rocky performed on Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour, evolving from friendship to love after Rihanna’s 2020 split from Hassan Jameel. They welcomed RZA in May 2022 and Riot in August 2023, with their third child—a girl, as Rocky hinted at the Smurfs premiere in June 2025—due soon. Rihanna’s openness about wanting a daughter, shared in a 2024 Interview Magazine chat, adds poignancy to the timing. The proposal, planned with Barbados’ cultural significance in mind, aligns with Rihanna’s dream of a wedding on her home island, as reported by Daily Mail in 2022.

Fan Frenzy and Family Ties

Social media reactions reflect the global excitement. An Instagram post by Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty account, showing the couple embracing post-proposal, captioned, “Love on the Beach! Congrats Ri & Rocky! 💍,” amassed 5 million likes. Fans commented, “This is the love story we needed! 😍,” and “Rihanna’s response broke me. True love wins!” The moment also highlighted the couple’s family dynamic, with RZA and Riot’s presence underscoring their role as doting parents. Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, told Extra in February 2025 that the couple jokingly promised to name their next child “A$AP Joe,” though Rihanna confirmed the baby’s name will start with an “R,” per InStyle.

What’s Next for the Power Couple?

The proposal comes amid a busy 2025 for Rihanna and Rocky. Rihanna, who voices Smurfette in the upcoming Smurfs film, is balancing motherhood and her Fenty empire, while Rocky, fresh off his Highest 2 Low screening, prepares for his AWGE fashion show. Sources say the couple plans a Barbados wedding in 2026, post-baby, with a “celebration of love and culture,” according to Elle. For now, they’re basking in the glow of their engagement, with Rihanna sharing a cryptic Instagram post on August 30, 2025: “20 years of dreams, now forever begins.”

This beachside moment has redefined celebrity romance, proving Rihanna and Rocky’s love is unshakable. Fans can follow their journey on Instagram and catch Rihanna’s Smurfs film on July 18, 2026. As they await their third child, this proposal is a testament to their enduring bond, leaving the world in awe of what true love really means.