R&B star USHER is in mourning following the death of his father on Friday (18Jan08).

The Confessions singer - full name Usher Raymond IV - is reported to have been by his father Usher Raymond III's side when he passed away at an Atlanta, Georgia hospital. The cause of death is currently unknown.

The star was joined by his wife Tameka and his mother Jonetta Patton at Raymond Snr.'s bedside, according to MediaTakeOut.com. Patton split from Raymond Snr. shortly after Usher was born.

Raymond Snr. struggled with a long-running addiction to crack cocaine, but managed to keep in touch with the singer throughout his personal troubles