Usher has paid tribute to his grandmother, Ernestine Carter, who passed away on Christmas Eve at her home in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the age of 87.
On Monday, the 44-year-old singer took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message, expressing his grief over the family tragedy.
“It’s taken me a few days to come to grips with the fact that my Grandma Tina is no longer with me,” Usher began alongside photos and videos of his late grandma. “I’m praying for clarity and strength for all whom relied on her. Her daily devotion was to help those in need and she did just that. It was her life’s work.
She was truly a prayer warrior for me and so many others. I feel a bit lost right now.”
Usher has revealed a struggle to stay strong for others, while admitting that the task is difficult and that he is struggling internally. The singer shared his battle with a duality of emotions, noting that while part of him strives to remain strong, the other half is silently breaking.
“We were just laughing days ago,” Usher wrote. “I really thought we had more time.”
Usher continued by saying, “When I was lost, she was always there when I called on her, no matter the hour or how long it took. When I needed the perfect Bible verse to suit the reality of what I was facing at the time…she’s provided it.”
“When I was broken, confused, lost and most vulnerable. She saw something else…and was there to remind me of purpose, and that no matter what I was facing,” he added. “I love u more, she would say.”
Usher affectionately referred to her as his “earth angel.”
“You are Usher Raymond…you are to Welcome Light to Man,” she would tell him, encouraging him to bring those around him out of darkness and into the light.