Meet Usher's 4 Kids, One of Whom Nearly Died at 5 — Photos

• Besides being a seasoned musician, Usher is a proud father of four kids.
• Usher recently married his longtime girlfriend, Jennifer Goicoechea, in a Las Vegas ceremony, celebrating a new chapter together with their children.
• The Grammy-winning artist's children played a significant role in preparing him for his Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show performance, despite not appearing on stage.

Usher Raymond IV, an acclaimed musician celebrated for his extensive accolades, is not just a star on stage but also a devoted family man at heart. In a heartfelt conversation with James Corden in September 2020, he shed light on the pivotal role his family plays in his life.

As he was anticipating the arrival of a new child at the time, the seasoned artist shared, "[It feels] so great to have this incredible news, you know, this new arrival...I think everybody had the opportunity to take a step back and realize what matters: it is family, coming closer to your loved ones, and appreciating what you have when you have it."

This deep appreciation for family and personal connections not only enriched his personal life but also had a profound influence on his professional endeavors. As such, Usher's children, embodying the very essence of the values he cherishes, played a pivotal role in the lead-up to his Super Bowl Halftime performance.

In an episode of "The Talk" aired on February 9, 2024, Usher revealed his children's unique contributions to the preparation of this iconic show, showcasing how his family values and career are beautifully intertwined.

In August 2013, he endured a terrifying incident where he nearly drowned in a pool in Atlanta.

However, despite fans' hopes, Usher clarified that his four children–16-year-old Usher "Cinco" V, 15-year-old Naviyd Ely, three-year-old Sovereign Bo, and two-year-old Sire Castrello–would not be performing alongside him in Las Vegas. Still, their involvement was no less critical. "They will be around," he mentioned, hinting at their presence during the event but ruling out a joint stage appearance.

The involvement of Usher's children went beyond mere presence; they actively engaged in the creative process. "I've been receiving tons of notes from Naviyd. Usher, he gave me a couple of notes. He gave me a few songs he felt like I should definitely cut, songs I should keep," disclosed the "Hey Daddy" singer.

As previously reported on February 13, 2024:

Usher is officially off the market! The Grammy-winning icon, 45, and his beloved longtime partner, Jennifer Goicoechea, 40, have embarked on a new chapter together, exchanging vows in the vibrant city of Las Vegas on February 11, coinciding with Usher's memorable performance at Super Bowl LVIII.

The intimate ceremony happened at Vegas Weddings' Terrace Gazebo. The outdoor venue can accommodate 30 guests, offering a picturesque backdrop for the couple's special day. Usher's mother, Jonetta Patton, served as the witness, a detail underscored by the marriage certificate.

A representative for Usher shared that the couple had tied the knot surrounded by close friends and family in Vegas. The representative also shared that the couple looked forward to the next phase in their relationship and continuing to raise their children together.

Following the Super Bowl, the newlyweds publicly appeared in Las Vegas, with Usher donning a gold band on his left ring finger. Melody Willis-Williams, president of the couple's wedding venue, Vegas Weddings, congratulated the couple, saying Usher's performance was wonderful and that they were happy for him and his new wife.

This joyous occasion marks a significant milestone for Usher and Jennifer, who have been together since 2019 and share two children, Sovereign Bo and Sire Castrello. The couple have even talked about marriage before this event.

In an exclusive interview before the wedding, Usher opened up about his readiness for marriage, emphasizing the importance of partnership and shared life experiences. "When you find someone that you know is a great partner, of course, it is an honor and a pleasure to be able to share life with someone who wants to share it with you and loves you, who you are," he reflected.

In addition to this life-changing event, Usher is a doting dad to four children. Usher "Cinco" Raymond V, the eldest of his four children, was born in November 2007 to Usher and his then-wife, Tameka Foster. His arrival marked the beginning of Usher's journey into fatherhood.

However, Cinco's young life has not been without its challenges. In August 2013, he endured a terrifying incident where he nearly drowned in a pool in Atlanta. At just five years old, he got stuck in the pool's drain, requiring a rescue that saw him hospitalized but fortunately left him conscious and alert.

Adding to the trials, Cinco was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2014. In an interview in October 2015, the "OMG!" singer shared that watching his son manage this chronic condition has given him a "greater deal of appreciation for the bravery that children his age have."

Co-parenting Cinco amidst these health challenges has necessitated strong communication and teamwork between Usher and his ex-wife, Foster. They navigate the complexities of managing Cinco's diabetes with a focus on ensuring his well-being and maintaining harmony.

The award-winning singer further added, "It's been a task. It is very complicated because kids, by the way, will find a way to work you against each other. You have to be mindful of what you say and that they’re always listening and greater than that. They’re always watching."

Cinco has also sought to carve out his identity, distinct from his father's global fame. Preferring not to be called "Usher," he uses a nickname to establish a sense of individuality, as revealed by Usher during an appearance on the "Tamron Hall Show" in November 2022. This pursuit of individuality by Cinco not only marks his personal growth but also becomes a source of pride for his father.

Usher's acknowledgment of his son's unique path and identity culminated in a heartfelt tribute during his Las Vegas residency performance. On a night that held immense personal significance, Usher honored his oldest son on his 16th birthday. "This is a special night to me because my firstborn was born tonight. It's Cinco's birthday and I dedicated this performance to him which is why I was going so hard," he told the crowd.

The celebration extended beyond the stage, as evidenced by the social media post that included a family photo with Usher's now-wife, Jennifer, further illustrating the deep familial bonds and the shared moments of joy and acknowledgment within the family.

Born in 2008, Naviyd Ely, Usher's second son with ex-wife Foster, has shared many memorable moments with his father, reflective of their close bond. Usher took a hiatus to focus on his family after the completion of his movie, "Hands of Stone," dedicating time to his personal life and children.

This commitment was beautifully illustrated in a shared adventure in Italy, where Usher, Naviyd, and his elder brother Cinco embarked on an air balloon trip, soaring 3,000 feet in the air—a moment Usher cherishes as a precious family bonding experience.

Naviyd has also been present at significant milestones in his father's career, such as Usher's Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony in September 2016. Alongside his brother, Naviyd supported his dad during this monumental achievement, highlighting the importance of family in Usher's life.

In 2013, amidst a custody battle with Foster, Usher was awarded primary custody of Naviyd and Cinco, a decision that underscored his dedication to their upbringing and welfare. Naviyd, now 15, attended the AMIRI Autumn-Winter 2022 Runway Show alongside his famous dad in February 2022. This father-son outing, where they were photographed with actor Evan Ross, reflected their stylish and close-knit relationship.

In the fall of 2020, Usher's then-girlfriend and now-wife, Jennifer, announced that they were expecting a baby. In September of that year, Usher welcomed his third child and first daughter with Jennifer, sharing the news in a lovely Instagram post.

"We are feeling blessed and full of love with the arrival of our beautiful baby girl, Sovereign Bo Raymond. 'Isn't She Lovely' by Stevie Wonder on repeat ❤️ ❤️ ❤️," wrote the happy dad.

Sovereign's name, chosen for its powerful meaning of supreme ruler, reflects Usher's admiration for her presence in the household. He fondly described her as ruling their home and cleverly played on words by adding, "Bo is at the end of it, so she's my little reign-bo," highlighting his delight in being a girl dad.

Her early arrival was a surprise to Usher, who opened up about the experience on "The Ellen Show" in November 2020. "[Sovereign] came out early. She was scheduled to be a Scorpio but decided she had a different plan. Libras, they kind of have their minds made up [about] what they want to do," gushed the doting dad.

Usher's transition into fatherhood with a daughter has been a transformative experience, leading him to embrace new aspects of life, including a shift in his fashion sense towards "pink and cool stuff."

His excitement about being a girl dad was palpable when he revealed on Good Morning America in July 2021 that he and Jennifer were expecting their fourth child, expressing eagerness for the growing family dynamic.

Sire Castrello Raymond, the youngest of Usher's four children, was born on September 29, 2021, as announced in an affectionate Instagram post by Usher himself. Introduced to the world with the words, "Hi my name is Sire Castrello Raymond … I am the newest addition to the Raymond crew," Sire's arrival expanded the Raymond family with great joy and anticipation.

Weighing 7 pounds and 13 ounces at birth, Usher humorously noted Sire's assertive presence with "Hear me roar … A.K.A Ra Ra," signifying the strong character he foresaw in his son.

The choice of Sire's name carries deep familial significance, as revealed by her mom Jennifer in a heartfelt Instagram post. The name Castrello pays homage to her grandfather, Champ Castrello, who lived to be 105 and embodied strength, bravery, and kindness.

Jennifer described her grandfather as the strongest and kindest man she knew, aside from Usher, illustrating the importance of legacy and familial bonds in their lives.

By naming their son Sire Castrello, Usher and his wife ensured that the legacy of a beloved family patriarch would continue to inspire future generations, marking Sire's place in a lineage of resilience and love.

Usher's journey as a father to his four children reflects a nuanced understanding of their need for both independence and support. Speaking on the "Club Shay Shay" podcast in January 2024, the "Caught Up" singer shared his teenage sons' desire for subtlety during their personal events.

"My kids, sometimes, they don't want me to come. They want to be very, very low-key because they don't want that energy," he expressed, highlighting the balance he seeks between his celebrity status and his role as a supportive parent. Usher's willingness to make himself "as small as possible" at their functions signifies his deep respect for their wishes.

In addition to navigating the complexities of parenting in the public eye, Usher emphasizes the importance of being present for his children, including his younger ones, Sovereign and Sire.

He strives to balance his passion for music with his commitments as a father, a challenge compounded by the anxiety of managing health concerns, such as his son Cinco's Type 1 diabetes.

Usher views his children as "the most priceless gifts from GOD," cherishing their safety and well-being above all. His efforts to be an involved and supportive parent are visible in the family's shared moments, from holidays together to public recognition of his role as a devoted father, celebrated by his now-wife through social media tributes.