Usher is mourning his grandmother.
The singer’s holiday celebration should have been spent celebrating with family and close friends but has a sad meaning attached to it forever. This is due to losing his grandmother Tina, who he credits as his ultimate support system, on Christmas eve. Still reeling from the loss, the 44-year-old penned a lengthy message alongside some messages to honor the 87-year-old’s legacy in his life.
Usher: ‘I’m Praying For Clarity And Strength For All Whom Relied On Her’
The music artist took to his Instagram page to share pictures of himself and his old lady alongside a message that showed his pain. The first slide showed the pair standing backstage before the star’s performance. While his team members looked on, she seemed to cheer up the “My Way” singer as he was seen laughing.
She looked regal in her simple green dress, while he looked every bit the performer in his purple coat with fur details on the right sleeve. The following slide was much more intimate as she hugged him tightly.
A swipe to the left featured the duo in a black-and-white throwback picture. The final slide showed how much she supported his artistry as she led him and his team in a short but powerful prayer before they hit the stage.
The caption began with the grieving grandson declaring, “I LOVE U MORE,” as he noted that it took him a few days to understand that she was no longer with him. He stated, “I’m praying for clarity and strength for all who relied on her. Her daily devotion was to help those in need, and she did just that.”
On how he was feeling, he noted, “I feel a bit lost right now,” and admitted that he was trying to make an effort to be strong for the others. The “Caught Up” singer explained that, on the other hand, he was breaking down silently as he recalled having laughed together with her days ago and thought they had more time.
“When I was lost, she was always there when I called on her, no matter the hour or how long it took,” he wrote, adding, “GOD answered her prayers…and now I know he called her home. I just wasn’t ready.”
He recalled that her last words to him were about how there was the perfect time for everything. The Broadway star explained that she always saw the best in him even when he felt broken and vulnerable and that she would always remind him of his purpose in life.
The evangelist would always say, “You are Usher Raymond…you are to Welcome Light to Man,” as he disclosed that she always believed he would be a pastor. The “Confessions” singer emotionally stated:
“I need you right now more than ever, Grandma. Just to hear u one more time. Missin u. I celebrate u and your life!!”
While navigating this grief, he shared a message of comfort from someone that he soaked in, writing, “Keep in mind that it’s only sad b/c we miss them and that’s us being selfish and rightfully so, but it’s a congratulatory celebration b/c they’re at the ultimate place forever!”
His peers and fans sent love and support in the comments, including Bun B, who wrote, “My deepest condolences.” Another follower wrote, “🤲🏿” Let your glory be revealed through dancing and singing” 🤲🏿❤️ Condolences.”
One user also wrote, “She was such a beautiful soul!! She will be missed dearly! ❤️ love you, bro!” Lil Jon, Dc Young Fly, and others sent in prayer hands and red heart emojis to support their grieving friend.
‘U Remind Me’ Singer Became A Father-Of-Four Last Year
Usher and his girlfriend Jenn Goicoechea, who were already parents to a daughter Sovereign Bo, expanded their brood with a baby boy. This would be the second for the music executive and the fourth for the Grammy Award-winning artist.
The Blast shared that they welcomed their son Baby Sire last year and that Usher took his time before announcing the birth in a post. In the black and white image, he showed the tiny tot with his eyes closed, writing in the caption:
“Hi, my name is Sire Castrello Raymond … I am the newest addition to the Raymond crew. I was born Sept 29, 2021, at 6:42 pm weighing 7lbs 13oz. Hear me roar. AKA Ra Ra.”