Your Black World reports
Singer Etta James, the 73-year old musical legend, is terminally ill and about to die. All of this is according to her manager, who is asking fans to pray for her. The singer is best known for her 1961 hit, “At Last.” Her family says that she is in “the final stages of leukemia.”
Lupe De Leon, James’ friend, says that James is at home and simply isn’t expected to recover.
"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’ doctor told the Press-Enterprise that her condition was untreatable about two weeks ago.
"I am Southern and Christian and would just ask for the prayers of her fans and friends," Dr. Elaine James said.
James was portrayed by the singer Beyonce Knowles in the film, “Cadillac Records” in 2008. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle asked Beyonce to sing “At Last” during their inauguration dance.
