Etta James Near Death
Sad day for soul: Etta James is terminally ill.
The soul legend — who was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year, in addition to dementia — has been told that her condition is inoperable and incurable.
James, 73, is under the care of a live-in doctor and has asked for fans to pray for her.
Lupe De Leon, James’ manager, says the star, best known for her 1961 hit “At Last,” is “in the final stages of leukemia.”
De Leon says:
“Etta has a terminal illness. She’s in the final stages of leukemia. She has also been diagnosed with dementia and Hepatitis C. She’s in a home right now and mostly sleeps. She is under the care of a live-in doctor from Riverside Community Hospital (in Riverside, Calif.) and two others who have placed her on oxygen. Her husband is with her 24 hours a day, and her sons visit regularly. We’re all very sad. We’re just waiting.”
James’ live-in physician, Elaine James (no relations) told Riverside’s Press-Enterprise that doctors concluded that the singer’s cancer was terminal two weeks ago.
“I am Southern and Christian and would just ask for the prayers of her fans and friends.”
Etta has been struggling with bad health for the last year. She underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2003 after a long struggle with obesity.
The star — portrayed by Beyonce Knowles-Carter in the 2008 film Cadillac Records — was at the center of a court battle between her son Donto James and husband Artis Mills. The men were at odds over the control of her $ 1 million estate and the cost of payment of her medical care.
James’ attorneys questioned the care of a live-in physician and disputed her husband’s control for the payments.
Both parties eventually agreed to resolve the dispute with mediation.
Source: Pop Crunch
