Etta James is terminally ill and her doctor is asking for prayers.
The iconic soul singer’s live-in doctor confirmed that the 73-year-old is in the final stages of leukemia and was declared incurable two weeks ago.
According to James’ manager of 30 years, Lupe De Leon, 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 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,” says De Leon.
As her health was deteriorating, James’ final album, “The Dreamer,” was released in November. A sample of her song “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” is also featured in Flo Rida’s feel-good jam “Good Feeling.”
James’ “At Last” was the song President Barack Obama chose for the first dance with wife Michelle at the 2009 inauguration ball.
Listen to Etta James’ “At Last” and Flo Rida’s “Good Feeling” below.
photo: MS7/WENN