BACKSTREET BOYS star HOWIE DOROUGH is in mourning after his father died in his sleep.
Hoke Dorough was diagnosed with lung and brain cancer earlier this year (08).
The pop star and his bandmates scrapped shows in South Africa so that Dorough could be with his father.
In a statement, the singer says, "Our family just wants to say thanks for all your prayers for my father, Hoke Dorough. His strong will helped him to fight cancer for the past three months.
"I was blessed to be able to spend the last month with him and create some memories that I will take with me forever.
"Unfortunately, within the last few days he took a turn for the worse. He passed away Sunday morning peacefully in his sleep and is no longer suffering."
Howie adds that his father spent his final week returning to his native Georgia with his son and family members.
Dorough recalls, "My family and I rented a RV and took him to his hometown in Georgia where he had a family and high school reunion of over 50 people.
"He held on (for) the whole trip and had an amazing time, bringing things back full circle."
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