Etta James' Last Moments Described By Her Son

Etta James' son described to People Magazine how his mother died in a California hospital Friday.

The legendary blues singer died yesterday at age 73 in a Riverside hospital. Her son Donto James said he was happy to be able to hold her and say goodbye.

"It's been quite a day, but I'm very grateful. She basically passed in my arms, and I was able to share everything I needed to say to her, from praying to listing her accomplishments as a mother," Donto told the magazine.

"I asked her if she heard what I said, and she'd flutter her eyes and look at me very quickly. And she had been nonreactive before that."

"I told her that I loved her. I said, 'You were a wonderful mother, you did a wonderful job, your seven grandchildren love you, and they will be okay."