Bob Marley's mother passes away

Bob Marley's mother has died, aged 81.

Cedella Booker passed away in her sleep on Tuesday at her home in Miami, reports the Associated Press. It is believed she died from natural causes.

Her death comes 27 years after her son's, who suffered from a brain tumour in 1981.

She married Norval Marley at the age of 18 and is survived by two children and several grandchildren, including musicians Damian and Ziggy Marley.

Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding described Booker as a "star in her own right" who exuded "hope, strength and confidence".

Booker wrote two biographies about her reggae musician son and released two albums - Awake Zion and Smilin' Island of Song.