Etta James’ Estate: Court Deal Reached by Sons and Stepfather

As Etta James might say herself: at last. The husband and sons of the terminally ill blues singer Etta James have struck a deal in court over the performer’s $1 million estate.

The sons of James, Donto and Sametto, have been battling James’ husband Artis Mills over the amount of money available to Mills for the expenses and care of the singer. The sons wanted to cap expenses at $100,000. Mills felt $500,000 was more necessary. A Riverside County judge went close to going down the middle, ordering expenses to be capped at $350,000.

The recording star, famous for songs such as At Last and Tell Mama, is suffering from incurable leukemia, dementia and kidney failure for several years now. According to E!, she now struggles to simply communicate.

Outside the courtroom where James, James, and Mills has crossed swords, the singer’s personal physician Dr. Elaine James stated:

“I am Southern and Christian and would just ask for the prayers of her fans and friends. They know she’s been sick, but not how sick.”

Dr. James (not a relative) has looked after the 73-year-old at her home since March 2010. She receives a salary of $30,000 per month for her live-in care services, a figure settled on in previous court hearings.

Below is a clip of Etta James singing in happier times. While her illnesses may not be curable, let’s hope she’s being looked after. And here she is telling Beyonce who’s boss.