Dr. Elaine James, who isn’t related to the 73-year-old entertainer, told the Riverside Press-Enterprise that fans knew that Etta was sick, but not “how sick”.
According to Dr. James, Etta – a winner of six Grammys for her legendary vocals – is now only able to communicate through a series of “uh-huhs” and “no’s.
The doctor, who has moved into Etta’s Riverside, Ca. home and provided 24-hour care for her since March 2010, is spreading the news about James’ latest medical condition so that people will pray for the singer.
“I am Southern and Christian and would just ask for the prayers of her fans and friends,” Dr. Elaine James told reporters outside a courtroom where a hearing was being held in the conservatorship of James’ $1 million estate.
Though it was not disputed that Etta needs medical care, the singer’s son, Donto James, wants someone other than Etta’s husband, Artis Mills, to manage payments and other expenses during his mother’s illness.
The hearing was continued to Monday.
Watch Etta James perform At Last in the clip below:
