ZapGossip

B.B. King hospitalised


B. B. King has been hospitalised.

The iconic blues musician was rushed to a medical centre near his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, after suffering from dehydration linked to his Type II diabetes over the weekend.

The 89-year-old star has battled the illness for more than 20 years, and despite his latest health scare, his daughter Claudette confirmed to the Los Angeles Times newspaper he "is much better".

The incident follows previous problems with the ‘Three O’Clock Blues’ singer, who cancelled the remaining eight dates of his US tour last year after receiving a similar diagnosis following a show.

A statement posted on his website in October read: "Mr. King did not feel well enough to continue his performance last night, Oct. 3, 2014, at the House of Blues in Chicago.

"He was immediately evaluated by a doctor and diagnosed with dehydration and suffering from exhaustion whereby causing the eight remaining shows of his current tour to be cancelled."

However, a few days later, the star joked about the incident in a separate statement in which he said his home life had become even more hectic than his time on the road because so many people had been getting in touch to see how he was feeling.

He wrote: "I’m back at home now listening to music, watching movies and enjoying some down time.

"I think I’m busier at home now than on the road talking to friends calling to check up on me. I do appreciate everyone’s calls and concern. I want to tell you, I’m doing alright."