Etta James to stay in hospital for now

RIVERSIDE, Calif., Dec. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. rhythm and blues singer Etta James, beset by end-stage leukemia and dementia, will remain hospitalized for at least several more days, her son says.

Donto James told the Los Angeles Times Saturday his mother was under sedation while being treated at a hospital in Riverside, Calif. He said her doctors were to try to ease her off the medication so she could spend Christmas Day with her family in her hospital room.

Donto James said he was thankful for the kind word sent along by his mother's fans and wanted them to know "she is still fighting."

"That's the thing, my mother is still fighting," he said.

The 73-year-old singer, known for such songs as "At Last" and "Tell Mama," also was dealing with a urinary tract infection, her son said.

The Times said he said she is being treated 'for a couple of issues" but declined to confirm reports she has been on a breathing apparatus since Monday.

Donto James and his stepfather, Artis Mills, are feuding over his mother's care and control of her estate, the Times said. A Riverside County Superior Court judge Monday released $350,000 for her medical costs. Mills, her conservator, had asked for $500,000.