Legendary blues singer Etta James has been hospitalized in Southern California where she is being treated for several ailments, including the blood infection sepsis. According to James' son, Donto, the 72-year-old singer fell ill after she checked into a one-month detox center to kick her addiction to pain killers and over-the-counter medicine. The illness was reportedly triggered by a urinary tract infection, forcing James to spend the past week at the Riverside Community Hospital, in Riverside, Calif. "She's been in a pretty big battle," Donto told Reuters.Donto said that his mother would be released from the hospital "very soon," but during an appearance on CNN on Friday night (Jan. 29), he explained the aging James has also been battling Alzheimer's for over a year. "Right now she is very confused," he said. Donto explained that upon her release, his mother would likely be placed in a nursing home for follow-up care.
James, a four-time Grammy winner is best known for her 1961 single, 'At Last.' She churned out several hits during her five decade career and maintained her presence after fighting a decade long heroin habit in the '60s. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993, and was portrayed by Beyonce Knowles in the 2008 film 'Cadillac Records.'
