Rihanna's Mom at American Music Awards: 'I Am So Proud of You'

Rihanna was awarded the first ever ICON award at the American Music Awards which was presented to her by her mother, PEOPLE reported Monday.

Rihanna was honored for her accomplishments in the music industry at the AMAs which were held on Sunday, Nov. 23. After performing her hit, Diamonds, the 25-year-old was presented the award for her achievements by her mother, Monica Braithwaite.

"Rihanna, I am so proud of you tonight," she said as they held hands. "I know the journey in your career has not always been an easy one, but tonight I applaud you and admire you for being so strong and so positive and so humble and so focused."

Braithwaite also said that the singer did not let success go to her head. She spoke that Rihanna still found a way to remain positive despite any setbacks.

"It's amazing how you always manage to take good from all your experiences. I am so blessed to be a part of this historic moment," she said.

Rihanna then spoke of her mother and how Braithwaite encouraged her even if she didn't always understand her passion. However, Braithwaite allowed her then 15-year-old daughter the opportunity to make her dreams come true.

"I literally begged and pleaded and she finally said yes," Rihanna said. "And I thank you and we all thank you for that yes because that was the beginning of it all."