Usher’s Oldest Sons Are Growing Up Fast

Usher Raymond V is Usher’s firstborn child, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Tameka Foster. Born on November 27, 2007, Usher V’s arrival changed the “Hey Daddy” singer’s worldview. “I was born to do what I’m doing as a dad,” Usher said on a 2012 episode of “Oprah’s Next Chapter” (via Us Weekly). “I realized that once I had a child. When I had them, that’s when they became a priority.”

Usher is a loving and hands-on parent, but the unthinkable happened in 2013, when his son, then 5 years old, almost drowned after his arm got stuck in a pool drain. The incident occurred at Usher’s home in Atlanta, but he was not present. Usher V was with a supervisor and the housekeeper, per Today. Luckily, two subcontractors who happened to be working on the property that day jumped into action, pulled Usher V out of the pool, and administered CPR.

“I am blessed and fortunate to say that my son Usher V is doing well and is recovering,” Usher said in a statement a few days later, per E! News. He thanked fans for their support and gave an honorable mention to the healthcare professionals, his Aunt Rena, and the subcontractors who saved Usher V. “I would especially like to thank the two men who saved my son’s life, Eugene Stachurski and Ben Crews. They are true heroes, and I am deeply grateful to them,” the statement read.