Most people associate Etta James with her incredible singing of “At Last,” but few know anything about her husband, Artis Mills. Mills was a reserved individual, relatively unknown to the public, but profoundly impactful on Etta. Who is Artis Mills? How about we delve into his tale?
Man With a Big Role
Mills came into the limelight after marrying American singer Etta James. They exchanged vows in 1969 and remained married until her death in 2012, marking three decades of marriage.
Artis remained behind the scenes during their marriage, and even in the public eye during Etta’s musical reign. Unlike most public figures, he did not seek the limelight. Rather, he supported Etta in multifaceted ways, which is why he meant so much to her.
Little is known about Artis Mills before he got married. There is very little information available discussing his prior life, as he never spoke about it.
However, it is known that he worked as Etta’s tour manager at some point in his life. This role gave him the opportunity to be near her and promote her career, which was very important to him.
Marriage and Life With Etta James
Artis Mills shared a strong bond with Etta James as they had been in a relationship for quite a long time. They married when both of them seemed to be struggling with life issues.
Etta fought with a heroin addiction, and Artis also had his own demons to battle. But they hung on to each other even when life got exceedingly difficult.
They faced a myriad of relationships internally, as they were constantly trying to solve issues externally. They both got arrested due to their drug problems.
Artis was imprisoned for a spell, from which he was released in 1981. That is a long separation period for a couple, but they remained husband and wife during this period. In fact, this shows the bond they shared and the amount of love their relationship flourished with.
Even if they did not share biological children, Artis did assume the role of a stepfather to Etta’s two sons, Donto and Sametto. The boys were involved in Etta’s life and frequently toured with her. Artis took care of them, and thus he was integrated into the family.
Staying Strong Through Tough Times
As Etta got older, she started facing serious health problems. She had leukemia, which is a kind of cancer, and she also had dementia. That means she had trouble remembering things and making decisions. During this time, Artis Mills was by her side. He helped take care of her and made sure she had what she needed.
In 2011, Artis asked a judge to give him control over Etta’s medical care and finances. He said he needed money to help pay for her care, which cost around $30,000 each month.
That’s a lot of money. But Etta’s son, Donto, disagreed. He had power of attorney, which meant he could make decisions for her too. So, there was a court case. In the end, the judge gave Artis control over a part of Etta’s money—about $350,000—to help pay for her care.
This was a hard time for the whole family. Everyone wanted what was best for Etta, but they didn’t always agree on what that looked like. Still, Artis stayed close to Etta until the very end.
Etta James’ Final Days and Artis Mills’ Devotion
Etta James passed away in January 2012. She was 73 years old. Her death made headlines all over the world. Many people shared their love for her music and how much she meant to them. But while the world said goodbye to a music legend, Artis Mills said goodbye to his wife.
Artis had stayed with her through the ups and downs. He was there through the music, the fame, the struggles, and the sickness. Even when things were hard, he didn’t leave.
That kind of loyalty is rare. It shows how much he truly loved her. When she passed away, Artis didn’t speak much to the media. He stayed quiet, just like he always had.
What Happened After Etta’s Death?
After Etta James died, many people wondered what happened to Artis Mills. Did he stay in the public eye? Did he do interviews or write a book? The answer is no. Artis chose to keep his life private. He stayed away from the spotlight.
Some people have asked, “Is Artis Mills still alive?” As of 2025, there are no clear public updates about his life. He has not made any major news or public appearances.
It seems he prefers a quiet life, away from the cameras and crowds. That’s not surprising since he was always a very private person.
Artis may not be famous on his own, but he was an important part of Etta James’ life. He stood by her for more than 40 years. That kind of love and commitment is powerful, even if it’s not talked about often.
Family and Stepchildren
Artis Mills never had children with Etta James. But he helped raise her two sons, Donto and Sametto. These boys were from Etta’s earlier relationships, but Artis was still part of their lives.
Donto and Sametto sometimes performed with Etta on stage. They were involved in her music and supported her, just like Artis did. Even though there were legal disagreements during Etta’s illness, it’s clear that everyone cared about her deeply.
Being a stepfather isn’t always easy. But Artis stayed in the family and played his role as best as he could. He wasn’t loud or flashy. He just did his part, quietly and with care.
The Legacy of Artis Mills
Whenever Etta James comes into the picture, people perpetually recall her strengths, her songs, and most particularly her one-of-a-kind voice. But in every singular story, there was Artis Mills who was always there. He did not sing nor was he a star, but he mattered. When she needed someone, he was there. He went through prison with her, along with heaps of health battles, fame, and so much more.
Whether Artis Mills liked the spotlight or not does not particularly change the validity of his story. He demonstrates those who stand or work behind the scenes have the same level of importance.
If not for this love and support, Etta James would have struggles and most likely, broken down during the toughest times without his support.
So who is Artis Mills? He is the man who stood by a legend, Artis Mills. He unlike many, is the quiet partner in a very loud world. And even today, in the year 2025, people and pundits are still bewildered with the identity of Mills.
Final Thoughts
Artis Mills does not ring many bells for a large majority, however, those well-versed with history certainly recognize his connection as intertwined with Etta James, one of the greatest singers in history.
For years, he stood strong and was a pillar of support when the singer was going through the darkest challenges of her life. The lack of publicized appreciation she received was due to addiction and illness. However, the few remaining strands were due to his quiet strength, love, and loyalty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Artis Mills?
Artis Mills was the husband of legendary soul singer Etta James. They were married from 1969 until her death in 2012.
2. Was Artis Mills famous?
No, Artis Mills was not famous on his own. He became known mainly because of his relationship with Etta James and his support during her career.
3. Did Artis Mills and Etta James have children?
No, they did not have children together. However, Artis helped raise Etta’s two sons, Donto and Sametto, from her previous relationships.
4. Did Artis Mills go to prison?
Yes, Artis Mills went to prison in the early 1970s. He served time on drug charges and was released in 1981.
5. Is Artis Mills still alive in 2025?
As of now, there are no confirmed public updates about Artis Mills’ life or death. He has kept a very private life since Etta’s passing.
6. What was Artis Mills’ role in Etta James’ life?
He was her husband, supporter, and sometimes her tour manager. He stood by her during tough times and helped care for her during her final years.
7. Why was Artis Mills in the news in 2011?
In 2011, Artis Mills asked the court for control of Etta’s medical care and finances. This led to a legal case with Etta’s son, Donto, who already had power of attorney.
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