Famed singer Etta James, 72, is battling dementia and is undergoing treatment for leukemia. This sad news comes as her husband of 41 years, Artis Mills, has filed a petition for power of attorney over her estate.
California court documents state that James is so ill that she cannot sign her own name and requires help to eat, get dressed and manage her hygiene. A California judge will consider Mills’ petition this Friday, even though James granted power of attorney in 2008 to her two sons, Donto James and Sametto James, and Donto’s wife Christy.
Donto has reportedly written a court declaration stating that he’s okay with using money for his ailing mother’s healthcare, but desires a third party to oversee expenses to “avoid present and future family conflict and discrepancies.” If the judge grants Mills’ request, he will control over $1 million of James’ money.
James’ main claim to fame is her memorable hit, “At Last.” Beyonce portrayed James in 2008’s “Cadillac Records” and sang her legendary tune as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s first dance on inauguration night 2009.