Artis Mills Today: What We Know About Etta James’ Husband Now

When people talk about Hollywood love stories, the name Artis Mills doesn’t come up as quickly as others. But once you know his story, it’s hard to forget. Artis Mills was married to the legendary soul singer Etta James, a woman known for unforgettable songs like At Last and Something’s Got a Hold on Me. But behind her powerful voice was a man who stood quietly by her side for more than four decades.

Artis Mills wasn’t a celebrity, a singer, or an actor. Yet his life was full of love, sacrifice, and even prison time. In this article, we’ll explore who he really is, what happened during his marriage to Etta James, and what his life looks like today in 2025. If you’ve ever wondered what became of Etta James’ husband, this is the story you’ve been looking for.

Artis Mills Quick Bio

Who Is Artis Mills?

Artis Mills is mostly known as the husband of the late singer Etta James. He kept his personal life out of the spotlight and never chased fame. You won’t find him in interviews or on red carpets. In fact, very little is known about his early life, and that’s exactly how he wanted it.

He was born in the United States, but no one knows his exact date of birth. There’s no public record of his parents, childhood, or education. What we do know is that once he married Etta James, he stepped into a life filled with music, travel, and emotional highs and lows. And yet, he remained a background figure, always supporting but never seeking attention.

How Artis Mills Met Etta James

The exact story of how Artis and Etta met isn’t widely known. But sources suggest they first crossed paths in the late 1960s. Etta was already famous by then, but she was also dealing with deep struggles, especially with drug addiction. Even in those tough years, Artis saw something in her worth fighting for.

They got married in 1969, and that marked the beginning of a relationship that would last until Etta’s death in 2012. Their love story wasn’t always pretty, but it was real. Through addiction, fame, and health issues, Artis Mills stayed with her — sometimes in silence, sometimes in pain, but always present.

A Look at Their Marriage

Their marriage lasted more than 43 years, which is rare in the music world — especially during such a wild and demanding era. But theirs was not a fairy tale. From the beginning, Etta James battled heroin addiction. Before meeting Artis, she’d been in and out of jail and rehab. After they married, those struggles didn’t stop.

Artis didn’t walk away. In fact, he did something most spouses wouldn’t even consider: when both he and Etta were arrested for drug possession in the 1970s, he took full responsibility and went to prison. It wasn’t just a romantic gesture — it was life-changing. He served 10 years behind bars so she could keep moving forward.

What Did Artis Mills Do for Work?

Artis Mills didn’t have a public career like his wife, but he still played a major role behind the scenes. After their marriage, he became Etta James’ tour manager. That meant he handled the planning, travel, and business that kept her shows running smoothly.

He wasn’t flashy or well-known in the industry, but people who worked with Etta knew him as her steady partner. He helped organize concerts and made sure things ran on time — even when her personal struggles made that difficult. Outside of this role, there’s no record of any other job or business ventures.

The Time Artis Mills Went to Prison

This part of the story shows just how deep Artis’ loyalty ran. In the early 1970s, both he and Etta were caught with drugs. But instead of letting her take the fall — or splitting the blame — Artis Mills accepted full responsibility. As a result, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

He went to jail not for himself, but for her. That decision changed both their lives. Etta continued her music career while he served his time. He was released in 1981, and when he came back, he quietly resumed his role by her side — still supporting her, still avoiding the spotlight.

Did Artis and Etta Have Kids?

Even though Artis Mills and Etta James were married for over 40 years, they never had children together. But that doesn’t mean there wasn’t a family around them.

Etta had two sons from earlier relationships: Donto James and Sametto James. Artis became their stepfather and helped raise them. Both boys followed in their mother’s footsteps and got involved in music. Donto became a drummer and producer, while Sametto played bass guitar.

Over the years, both sons performed with Etta on stage. At the famous Montreux Jazz Festival in 1993, Donto played the drums for his mother. Sametto joined her during concerts as well. Even though Artis was not their biological father, he played a strong role in the family’s life — especially in later years when Etta became sick.

Artis Mills and the Family Fight Over Etta’s Money

When Etta’s health got worse, a legal fight broke out between Artis Mills and her sons. Etta had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and then later with leukemia and kidney failure. The family had to figure out who would be in charge of her money and care.

Artis Mills asked the court to give him control over Etta’s estate, so he could pay for her expensive medical bills. He said her care cost around $30,000 a month. Her son Donto didn’t agree. He asked the court to choose a neutral person to manage everything instead.

After some back and forth, the court gave Artis control and allowed him to access $350,000 for her medical needs. It was a stressful time for the family, but thankfully, they made peace before she passed. As Donto said later, “We actually worked things out the day before Momma died. I think she would have been very happy.”

What Happened to Etta James?

Etta James passed away on January 20, 2012, just five days before her 74th birthday. Her health had been declining for a while. She was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2008, and later doctors discovered she had leukemia.

She spent her final days in Riverside, California, where she was surrounded by her family. Her son Donto said she died in his arms, and he had the chance to tell her everything he needed to. He thanked her for being a wonderful mother and comforted her until the very end.

Etta James was buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Los Angeles County. Her funeral was held at Greater Bethany Community Church and was led by Reverend Al Sharpton. Fans and family came to say goodbye to a woman whose voice touched millions of people around the world.

Where Is Artis Mills Now?

After Etta’s death, Artis Mills disappeared from the public eye. He returned to the quiet life he had always preferred. As of 2025, there have been no new photos, interviews, or news about him.

It’s believed that he still lives in the United States, likely staying away from media and public events. He has no known social media accounts. And he hasn’t made any public statements since Etta passed.

For someone who was once in the middle of fame, music, and even legal battles, his quiet disappearance is something many people find mysterious.

Is Artis Mills Still Alive?

Yes, Artis Mills is still alive, at least based on the latest reports. But since he’s no longer in the public eye, it’s hard to know much about his current life. His age, health, and exact location are not shared anywhere.

What we do know is that he has chosen privacy. After everything he went through — from Etta’s fame to prison to family struggles — it’s understandable that he now prefers peace and quiet.

What Makes Artis Mills So Mysterious?

There are many reasons why people are still curious about Artis Mills today. He was married to a superstar. He went to jail for her. He managed her career. He even fought to take care of her in her final days. Yet, he never talked about any of it in public.

In a world where many people share everything online, Artis did the opposite. He stayed in the background. He supported quietly. And when the spotlight turned his way, he simply walked away.

This mystery — of a man who gave so much but asked for nothing — is what keeps people interested in his story even now, more than a decade after Etta’s death.

Bottom-Line

Artis Mills may not be a household name, but his story is unforgettable. He was more than just a husband. He was a protector, a tour manager, a stepfather, and someone who stood by Etta James through her hardest moments.

He never asked for fame, but his actions spoke loudly. From taking the fall for a drug arrest to caring for Etta when she was sick, Artis showed what real loyalty looks like.

Today, his life is quiet. But the legacy he helped build — through love, sacrifice, and support — still lives on through Etta James’ music, her family, and the people who continue to wonder: Who was the man behind the music?

(FAQs)

Is Artis Mills still alive in 2025?

Yes, Artis Mills is still alive, but no one has seen or heard from him in years. After Etta James died in 2012, he vanished from the spotlight completely.

How old is Artis Mills, and when was he born?

No one knows his exact age or birthday. Artis never shared that information, which adds to the mystery around his life.

When did Artis Mills marry Etta James?

Artis Mills married Etta James in 1969. Their marriage lasted over 43 years until her death in 2012.

What is Artis Mills’ net worth today?

His net worth is unknown. He has never revealed it, and he hasn’t had any public career outside of managing Etta’s tours.

Did Artis Mills ever remarry after Etta James died?

No, Artis Mills never remarried. Since Etta’s death, he has lived a very private and quiet life, completely away from the public eye.