R&B singer Usher lost his father Friday, when the passed away at an Atlanta hospital, People.com reports.

Usher Raymond III, father of singer Usher Raymond IV, has died, the R&B star’s rep confirmed to the magazine. The cause of death is not known yet and Usher was not available for comment, People.com adds.

The site specifies that The Chattanooga Times Free Press was first to report the news.

The funeral will take place this week at the Taylor funeral home chapel in Chattanooga, Tenn.

The Raymond family had reason to celebrate in late November, when the singer welcomed his first child, son Usher Raymond V, and his father was able to rejoice in the birth of his grandson.

At the time, Usher’s mother, Jonnetta Patton, told People magazine that the newborn baby boy was a gift from God, just in time for the holidays. “I'm extremely excited and filled with joy about the birth of my grandson, Usher Raymond V,” the elated grandmother said.

“He is beautiful, precious, healthy and such a blessing. I'm very happy for my son and his wife. God has truly blessed them with a special gift. This will be an amazing holiday season for all of us.”

Usher, 29, and former stylist Tameka Foster, 36, married in August 2007, when she was already several months pregnant. Usher Raymond V is the first child for the singer and the fourth for Tameka, who already has three children from her previous marriage.

Usher’s most recent studio album is the 2004 chart topping “Confessions,” which spawned hit singles “Yeah!,” “Burn,” “Confessions Part II” and “My Boo.” There have been reports that he is working on a new album that could be released this spring.