Usher in mourning after the death of his father

R & B singer Usher is in mourning following the death of his father.

Usher Raymond III passed away at a hospital in Atlanta, Georgia on Monday.

The cause of death was not immediately known, according to US reports.

A local television station said the funeral would be held on Wednesday at the Taylor Funeral Home chapel in the city.

The Confessions singer - full name Usher Raymond IV - is reported to have been by his father's side when he died, along with wife Tameka and his mother, Jonetta Patton.

Patton split from Raymond Snr. shortly after Usher was born.

His father struggled with a long-running addiction to crack cocaine, but managed to keep in touch with the singer throughout his personal troubles, it has been reported.

Usher, 29, became a father in November when wife Tameka gave birth to Usher Raymond V.

By Owen Williams, Jan 22 2008 © Copyright 2008 - Showbiz Spy