Legendary jazz vocalist Etta James performs at the 26th annual Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood in this June 19, 2004 file photo. James has been hospitalized with blood poisoning, her son said on May 13, 2011. The 73 year-old blues legend was admitted to hospital in Riverside, California, earlier this week with a urinary tract infection and the blood infection sepsis, said her son Sametto James. REUTERS/Fred Prouser/Files (UNITED STATES - Tags: PROFILE ENTERTAINMENT SOCIETY)
Soulful singing legend Etta James, perhaps known best for her version of “At Last” is in need of prayers as the ailing crooner battles two life-threatening illnesses.
The 73-year-old singer is battling leukemia and dementia and the prognosis is said to be fatal.
James’ physician, Elaine James (no relation), is soliciting prayers from the singer’s fans because of the limited medical solutions left.
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“I am Southern and Christian and would just ask for the prayers of her fans and friends,” the doctor said.
The six time Grammy winning singer was hospitalized earlier this year in May. Fans have been informed about the singer’s sickness, her battle with Alzheimer’s becoming apparent in 2010, but the severity of her illnesses were not made known.
In the midst of James’ sickness a legal battle involving her $ 1 million estate has ensued between her son, Donato James and husband Artis Mills over who will become the estate’s conservator.
The “Tell Mama” and “I’d Rather Go Blind” singer has stood the test of time throughout her career in the music industry, being active for almost 60 years.
Receiving her first vocal lessons from her church choir, James went on to record for and influence several genres and is considered by Rolling Stone as number 22 on their list of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.
Despite having her career shadowed by drug addiction, legal problems, and troubled love relationships, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was able to overcome her addiction and has released 30 albums and 58 singles.
