Etta James' manager says the terminally ill blues singer is breathing on her own after being taken off a respirator.
This Nov. 24, 2008 file photo shows Etta James arriving at the premiere of "Cadillac Records" in Los Angeles. "At Last" and "Tell Mama" blues singer Etta James, whose health has been fading in recent years, has been hospitalized after experiencing difficulty breathing, according to her manager on Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. Lupe De Leon says James' family is with her at a Southern California hospital where she was taken earlier this week. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — Etta James' manager says the terminally ill blues singer is breathing on her own after being taken off a respirator.
Lupe De Leon says Friday that the change in her condition is great news and that the singer's blood pressure is normal.
De Leon says James was put on a respirator when she was hospitalized in Southern California on Dec. 21 because she was having trouble breathing.
James has been diagnosed with terminal leukemia and is suffering from dementia. She has been receiving mostly at-home care.
Earlier this month, a judge set aside $350,000 for her medical care.
James is best known for the hit "At Last."