The iconic legendary soul singer best known for her 1961 recording “At Last” has taken a turn for the worse, according to her manager of 30 years Lupe De Leon.
According to De Leon, “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. 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.”
De Leon also said in a recent interview that “it’s ironic because she sounded so vibrant and powerful on it. It was only recorded two and a half years ago.” De Leon was referring to James’ most recent release called “The Dreamer”.
James was portrayed in the movie “Cadillac Records” by Beyonce Knowles.
The song “At Last” was also the song President Barack Obama chose for his first dance with wife Michelle at the 2009 inauguration festivities.
