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.

Backstreets back, alright? Just one minor thing - they are missing a member.

The boy band is without Kevin Richardson for their sixth studio album, which will be released in October. The first single, "Inconsolable", is out now.

The singer - who is, at 34, the oldest member of the group - described the decision as "tough" but "necessary".

In a statement on the band's website - backstreetboys.com - he said: "After 13 years of what can only be described as a dream come true, I have decided that it is time to leave the Backstreet Boys.