Backstreet Boy Howie D's Dad Dies In His Sleep

Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough's father has died in his sleep. Hoke Dorough has passed away after three months of battling cancer on Sunday. He was 69.

Hoke had been diagnosed with lung and brain cancer in March. He was a longtime code enforcement supervisor in Orange County.

Howie, 34, has released a statement on behalf of his family as saying, "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."

Hoke's services would be private. Supporters may send flowers to the Williamson Funeral Home and cards to the Dorough Lupus Foundation, a charity founded by the singer.