LOS ANGELES, USA, (AFP) — Grammy-winning blues and soul legend Etta James, famous for her hit “At Last,” was taken off respiratory assistance but remains hospitalised in California, her agent said Friday.

“Ms James has been taken off the respirator and is now breathing on her own. Her blood pressure is normal,” Lupe de Leon told AFP. “We are all happy with this news.”

James, 73, is suffering from leukaemia and was hospitalised at a Riverside hospital a week ago. She could stay there several more days.

“She could be back home next week, but we are not sure,” De Leon said.

The publicist previously indicated that James was also battling dementia and Hepatitis C.

Born Jamesetta Hawkins, James has won four Grammys and 17 Blues Music Awards. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2003.

She is also known for her soulful rendition of such songs as “I’d Rather Go Blind” and “All I Could Do Was Cry.”

“At Last” was sung by R&B diva Beyonce when she serenaded new US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their first dance on inauguration night in January 2009.

Written in 1941 by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren, “At Last” first became a hit for Glenn Miller and his orchestra and was covered by Nat King Cole before being adopted by James in 1960.