Etta James Suffering From Leukemia, Dementia

By PopEater Staff Posted Jan 13th 2011 03:04PM

A court battle over the health and financial affairs of R&B icon Etta James has revealed that the 'At Last' singer is gravely ill with leukemia and is suffering from dementia, The Press-Enterprise reports. The news came to light in a civil case between the 72-year-old star's husband and her son, who disagree on who should manage more than $1 million that is being put away for James' home-health costs.

Artis Mills, her husband of 41 years, wants control of the money, but son Donto James is asking the court to assign the duty to a third party, "to avoid present and future family conflict and discrepancies."

James has not performed on stage since early 2010 and caused a stir in 2009 when she went public with her displeasure that she wasn't chosen to sing at President Barack Obama's inauguration. Beyonce Knowles, who portrayed James in a 2008 film, sang 'At Last' instead.

The singer's doctor declared in court documents that James has dementia, as well as an organic brain syndrome, and is currently receiving treatment for leukemia. Dr. Elaine James, no relation, said that James can no longer sign her name or feed and dress herself, but does recognize her husband and children.

She receives round-the-clock care at her home in Riverside, Calif.

In the documents, Mills stated that the primary reason he wants control of the funds is to fulfill his wife's wish not to live her final days in a hospital.

According to Mills, James said that "if she ever became disabled, she did not wish to be placed in an institutional nursing facility as long as they had the money to keep her at home."

The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 14.

Mills filed for divorce from James in 2008 but backed out a few months later.

James is a legendary soul, blues and rock singer whose 1960s-era hits include 'Tell Mama,' 'All I Can Do Was Cry' and of course her signature song, 'At Last.' Listen to the Timeless Tune:

Tags: Etta James

Comments

(44)

Thursday 13 January

By bublerocks

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Sad news about Miss James. It is such a shame that her husband and son are fighting over her money. Money is surely evil in situations like this. They should be concerned about Miss James firstly and forget everything else. Money money money!!! Damn.

By ED

Money isnt evil...It's the love of money that's evil..

By stu

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aretha,ella,nina & now etta...swwwwweet jesus...I CAN'T TAKE MUCH MORE!!! where's me food stamps!!!!

By Heystu

Stu you are an idiot and you probably sold your food stamps for crack. Get off the stuff and stop acting like a dummy.

By themeeker

She is one of the greats...a real talented lady...a legend...and I wish her all the best.

By crackedblackpepper

My grandmother has dementia. I wonder, and I know this is a leap, if the fact that black women put chemicals on their heads (monthly) that would melt an aluminum can could contribute to the high rates of mental illness (unchecked) and degenerative mental health disorders. I know there's a blood/brain barrier but still...

Sorry to hear she's sick.

By Dee

You might have a point there...However, I don't perm my hair at all but I do color my hair every 3-4 months. I think chemicals play a huge part in the health of women...We need to really think about that and just thank God for what he gave us.

By Sekinu2

Very sad to hear this news. etta has given us years of music that will never be forgotten. Mrs James thank you as a fan and thank you as just a person who respects you.

By riverdew149

Very sad to hear this. What a great talent. Last I had heard anything about her is when she was upset by the snub of the Obama Administration for having Beyonce sing her song "At Last" at the inaugueral ball. Shouldn't have happened. Love Beyonce - but he could have had her sing something else.

By Mary

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I agree with you 100 per cent. Maybe the President being so young, didn't know who the original singer was.

By gd

One of the best there ever was (if not the best), get well please Miss Etta.

By Sassy gal

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Sounds as though something/someone is amiss. Consider...who would prefer departing from a hospital/room with all it's mayham opposed to the peace and serenity of your own home. Makes for a more peaceful journey. Curiously, 41yrs creats wanderlust: the desire/lust to wander. Perhaps the hubbie is ready to move on before aceptable...nothing new for this gender!!!!!!!!!!! The son must suspect something unpleasent. I side with the son.

Yes...That was her song and Beyonce should have sung something else...It was very hurtful to Etta James I am sure because she made that song famous...

By Dan

Beyonce was performing the song as a tribute to Etta James. Nothing wrong with that!

By fifiwereking

Gee, Dan, I guess Miss James and I were tweeting during the inaugural ball and missed the part where Beyonce said she was singing "At Last" in tribute to Etta James, NOT the President and First Lady.

So sad to lose this great blues artist.

By Joe

This really saddened my day. Etta James & KoKo Taylor are the two true female blues legends IMO. Yes, Big Mama Thornton is the third female blues legend (and Janis was the later version of their soul & fire). I had the pleasure to see KoKo Taylor live and I have listened to Etta's stuff for years and years. I will truly miss her when she goes off to that great bluesfest in the sky. Really sorry to see her ill.

By Joan

We all get sick...no exemptions at all. Be strong, Etta...hold on for as long as you can. Loved your muscic....glad to have been around during your tenure.

By mark

Etta James, Ruth Brown,Sarah Vaughn.Not to mention Kay Starr,Rosemary Clooney,Patty Page on the pop side.It was a great time for music.

By speech

Dee; I agree with you - They could have at least asked Etta to sing her song; If she couldnt, then Beyonce sing it as a tribute to her, cant blame her for being angry; this could have been the cherry on top of her career and Beyonce used her song for herself- She could have shared the moment with Etta

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