Her music was made many years ago, but is still recognizable today. Blues singer Etta James died today at a Southern California hospital after suffering from leukemia, dementia and kidney failure. Her death comes just weeks after her two sons went to court over conservatorship of her $1 million estate.

In late December, a judge ruled that the singer's husband would continue to make decisions about her medical care and finances. Her husband originally asked for $500,000 to be released from her estate to pay for her $30,000 a month medical care. However, the judge only released $350,000.

Her sons requested conservatorship be turned over to one them because they were concerned about how much her medical care was costing, as well as the quality of the care she was receiving.

The 73-year-old singer was best known for her ballad, "At Last". Despite her success, she struggled with her weight, as well as drug addiction.

The singer was married to her husband for 42 years. She leaves behind two sons, as well as a number of grandchildren.

Although the conservatorship matter was settled in court, in the wake of her death it seems unclear what will happen to the rest of her estate. Due to her great success, one would be hopeful that she had carefully planned out her estate, but that may not be the case.

Celebrities are not the only people who benefit from proper estate planning. Anyone who has valuable assets should consider planning their estate. By doing so, an individual can rest easy knowing that their family members will be provided for, and that valuable assets will be properly distributed.

Source: LA Times, "Etta James, acclaimed blues and R&B singer, dies at 73," Randy Lewis, Jan. 20, 2012