By Rima Bek

Riverside, CA (Hollywood Today) 01/20/12—Blues and R&B legend Etta James, best known for her 1961 ballad “At Last,” died on Friday morning from complications of leukemia, according to her manager Lupe De Leon. The 6-time Grammy-award-winning songstress was suffering from terminal leukemia, dementia and hepatitis C when she passed away in a Riverside hospital.

Tributes having been pouring in from many musicians, including will.i.am, Hayley Williams and Beyonce, who played the singer in the 2008 film “Cadillac Records.”

“This is a huge loss,” Beyonce said on her website Friday. “Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed.”

James had been in failing health for years. Her doctors announced in December that she was suffering from terminal leukemia. She was hospitalized just days before Christmas because she was struggling to breathe.

In James’ six decade recording career, she was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame.

No doubt she will be missed by many. Prayers to her family during this difficult time!