*Legendary singer Etta James, 72, is gravely ill and husband wants control of her money by seeking a court order from the state of California, reports the Riverside Press-Enterprise newspaper.
According to court documents, the singer lives in the Woodcrest area of Riverside County and has been diagnosed with dementia and is undergoing treatment for leukemia.
Beverly Hills Dr. Elaine James, who isn’t related, says in court documents that the singer cannot sign her name and she needs help with feeding, dressing and hygiene.
The paper says a court hearing Friday will consider a bid by her husband of 41 years, Artis Mills, to control her finances.
The “At Last” singer already gave power of attorney to sons Donto James and Sametto James, and Donto’s wife Christy, in February 2008. Mills is challenging the power of attorney.
Really sad to read this. I wish Ms. James the best. 2008 is pretty recent for assigning POA. I hope this doesn’t get messy.
So sad to hear this. It’s so ironic that I’ve been listening to Big Mama Thornton’s music and this story on Etta comes up. She and Big Mama were two of many pioneers of R&B, blues and soul. I know folks were very harsh because of her comments about Beyonce a couple of years ago but if I’m not mistaken, it was during this time she was suffering from dementia. It’s very sad to see her decline because she still was still touring and recording. Sending well wishes and hope her condition can be stablized.
I’m sorry to hear this news…even sadder that a person with so much vitality dies a little more before our very eyes every day. This will get nasty, ’cause she had every one EXCEPT her husband as per POA. Etta, I miss you already.
Yes, this is very sad. Was the couple even still living together?? If so, I wonder whether the sons simply took advantage of the dementia??
My gut feeling doubts that, one of her sons used to play in her band.
They really need to stop with this listing Mz Etta as the “At Last” singer.
Etta James had a career; not a “hit”. Damn you would think Beyonce discovered her!.
EUR Fam. please look up our history it is really a lot more fascinatining than most of the dumb stuff that can show up here. That is not a criticism of EUR, but a call for greater understanding of historical facts and information.
There is a lot of sad news going around these days. I am really sorry to hear this about Mr. Artis and Etta. I haven’t heard any information on either them in several years. Her cousin was recently inducted into the R&B Hall of Fame in Philly recently.
“Sugar-Pie” DeSanto. Mz. Etta and family have a connection with the Phillipines and I think have family there.
I really hope that this issue doesn’t turn in to the usual family financial politics that I’ve seen in my family.
Mz. Et; will you please get better.
God Bless!