Etta James breathing on her own, taken off respirator

Etta James has been taken off a respirator and is breathing on her own.

The 'At Last' singer, who was hospitalised last week, is in the final stages of a terminal form of leukaemia.

Speaking to CNN, her son confirmed that she is remaining at hospital in South California for the time being.

Donto James said: "She's all right. My brother and I would like to see her stay in the hospital a little longer until she gets more stable. Our main concern is for her to be taken care of right."

The 73-year-old is apparently conscious and watched the New Year's celebrations on television from her hospital room on Saturday night.

Watch Etta James perform her hit song 'At Last' live below:



> Etta James's son Donto: "My mother is still fighting"