Etta James Ill with Leukemia

Seventy-two-year-old R&B legend Etta James who is currently suffering from Alzheimer’s is also battling leukemia.

As the singer struggles with her illness, her husband is challenging her children to power of attorney.

Her husband of 41 years, Artis Mills claims that James said, “If she ever became disabled, she did not wish to be placed in an institutional nursing facility as long as they had the money to keep her at home.” To help pay for health care, Mills has asked to take control of $1m from James’s accounts.

James’s son Donto, who shares power of attorney with his siblings, does not disagree to moving funds for his mother’s healthcare. He has requested a third party oversee financial decisions “to avoid present and future family conflict and discrepancies.”

The At Last singer is suffering from dementia, an organic brain syndrome and leukemia. She currently needs help with feeding, dressing as well as hygiene. Sadly, just as many who suffer from dementia, she also no longer recognizes her husband or children.