LeAnn Rimes Saddened by News of Etta James’ Terminal Illness

Multi-platinum recording artist LeAnn Rimes tweeted her condolences today after hearing the news that, after a long battle with leukemia, legendary soul singer Etta James is close to death.

"This makes me terribly sad!" Rimes said via Twitter. "What a legend, what a voice." According to reports, James' manager of 30 years, Lupe De Leon, conceded that she is in the "final stages of leukemia," in addition to having been diagnosed with dementia and Hepatitis C. The 'At Last' singer is spending her last days in a home under the watchful care of a live-in doctor from California's Riverside Community Hospital.

James, now 73, is on oxygen and spending most of her time sleeping. De Leon said her husband isn't leaving her side and that her sons have been visiting her regularly, adding, "We're all very sad. We're just waiting."

James's final record, 'The Dreamer,' was just released in November. Her most iconic work, the 1961 recording of 'At Last,' took center stage again in 2009 when President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama selected the sweet song for their first inaugural dance.

Watch Etta James Perform 'At Last'