May 8, 2007 1:18

Usher parts ways with manager mum

But the R&B star says the split was amicable

Usher and his mother Jonetta Patton have ended their business relationship, the singer confirmed today.

The R&B star whose full name is Usher Raymond felt it was best to separate his business and personal life, telling the Associated Press “it means I now get to have my mother strictly as my mother with no added pressure”. Patton had been his manager since the start of his career in 1994.

The star’s statement to AP said:
"At this time in my life, I am simply more interested in building the strength of my family. And in order to do that, I feel it's best to separate my business life from my personal life”.

Usher is famous for his hits ‘You Make Me Wanna’ and ‘Yeah’, as well as an acting career that included a recurring role on the sitcom ‘Moesha’. He is currently gearing up for the follow-up to 2004’s ‘Confessions’, which sold nine million copies worldwide.

--By our New York staff.
[url="/about"]Find out more about NME.[/url]