April 20, 2012

RiverSource Life Insurance Company
829 Ameriprise Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474

RE:    RiverSource Life Insurance Company
       RiverSource Fixed Account Interests offered in connection with
       RiverSource Group Variable Annuity Contract
       Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
       Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-149951

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am familiar with the above-referenced Registration Statement filed by
RiverSource Life Insurance Company (the "Company") with the Securities and
Exchange Commission in connection with RiverSource Fixed Account Interests
offered in connection with RiverSource Group Variable Annuity Contract ("Fixed
Account Interests").

I have made such examination of law and examined such documents and records as
in my judgment are necessary and appropriate to enable me to give the following
opinion:

1. The Company is duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under
applicable state law and is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each
jurisdiction where it transacts business. The Company has all corporate powers
required to carry on its business and to issue the contracts.

2. The Fixed Account Interests issued by the Company, when offered and sold in
accordance with the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement and in
compliance with applicable law, will be legally issued and represent binding
obligations of the Company in accordance with their terms.

I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.

Sincerely,

/s/ Dixie Carroll
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Dixie Carroll
Assistant General Counsel and
Assistant Secretary