Rihanna named National Hero by home country Barbados
The singer can now use the title of "The Right Excellent" in front of her name.
Rihanna has been declared a National Hero by her home country of Barbados.
The "Umbrella" singer, 33, received the island nation’s high honor Tuesday at a ceremony in Bridgetown.
"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. May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation by your word, by your actions," Prime Minister Mia Mottley said during the event, referencing her 2012 hit "Diamonds."
![](https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/rihanna-3-gty-er-211130_1638291918650_hpEmbed_23x15_992.jpg)
The "Battleship" actress reacted to the honor in a public address, saying, "I have traveled the world and received several awards and recognition, but nothing compares to being recognized in the soil that you grew in. So I thank you so much for this."
Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is just the second woman to receive the National Hero honor, and the 11th person overall.
The nine-time Grammy winner, who is also a fashion mogul and billionaire, can now use the title of "The Right Excellent" in front of her name.
![](https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/rihanna-2-gty-er-211130_1638291918648_hpEmbed_3x2_992.jpg)
At the same ceremony, Barbados formally cut ties with the U.K. and removed Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. In doing so, Barbados became the world's newest republic.
In a farewell speech to the country on behalf of the queen, Prince Charles acknowledged the "appalling atrocity of slavery," adding that it "forever stains our history."