Ailing soul legend Etta James has been released from hospital after spending the festive season under the care of doctors.
The Grammy Award-winning singer, who is battling leukaemia, was hospitalised in Riverside, California shortly before Christmas (Dec11) after suffering breathing problems and she remained there over the holidays.
Last week (ends01Jan12), the 73 year old showed she was making slight progress when she was taken off a respirator and was able to breathe on her own.
James left the medical facility on Thursday afternoon (05Jan12) and the At Last hitmaker is now said to be in a "stable" condition at home with her husband and family by her side.
Her agent, Lupe de Leon, tells the Afp, "Etta James was released from the hospital this afternoon. She is home with her husband and family by her side. Her condition remains stable."