Etta James Dies of Leukemia at 73

Although we knew it was not long in coming, fans across the globe are reacting to the news that “At Last” singer Etta James has died of leukemia at the age of 73.

James was a legendary voice in blues, and throughout December, news about the singer was overwhelmingly grim. James was terminally ill, and her family struggled in court to settle the terms of her estate before her inevitable passing. By Christmas, James had taken a turn for the worse, and reps for the singer released a sobering statement about James’ prognosis:

“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.”

James was an iconic figure in music, and singer Beyonce Knowles portrayed the blues artist in the 2008 film Cadillac Records. Of James, Knowles said:

“One thing Etta taught me is her fearlessness. She was Etta all the time. She did not try to change for anyone. If it weren’t for her crossing over- she was the first African-American woman to cross over on the radio- I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have.”

Etta James’ manager Lupe DeLeon confirmed that the singer succumbed to complications of leukemia early this morning at Riverside Community Hospital in Riverside, California. She is survived by her husband and sons, and services to honor James have not yet been announced.