Manager: Etta James is close to death
Etta James' manager says the 73-year-old star, best known for her 1961 hit At Last, is “in the final stages of leukemia." Lupe De Leon tells Entertainment Weekly that James is in a care home and is not doing well.
“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," De Leon says. “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 told Riverside's Press-Enterprise that doctors concluded that the singer's leukemia was incurable two weeks ago. “I am Southern and Christian and would just ask for the prayers of her fans and friends," Dr. Elaine James (no relation) said.
Etta James and Beyonce arrive at the premiere of 'Cadillac Records' held at The Egyptian Theater on Nov. 24, 2008 in Hollywood. CAPTIONBy Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty ImagesJames was back in the spotlight in 2009 when President Obama and Michelle Obama chose Beyoncé to sing At Last for their first inaugural dance.
Beyoncé also portrayed James in the 2008 movie Cadillac Records.
