Blues legend BB King in hospice care in Las Vegas home

Legendary blues musician BB King is under hospice care at his Las Vegas home, his business manager Laverne Toney said on Friday (1 May), amid a row over his care and allegations of elder abuse.

The 89-year-old guitarist and singer-songwriter returned home following a brief hospitalization, said Laverne Toney, who also has power-of-attorney for the blues legend.

"Mr King is where he wishes to be," Toney said. "He's always told me he doesn't want to be in a hospital. He wants to be at home."

A message posted on BB King's website on Friday said: "I am in home hospice care at my residence in Las Vegas. Thanks to all for your well wishes and prayers."

Police were called on Thursday (30 April) after the musician's daughter, Patty King, accused Toney of abusing BB King and said she refused to allow Patty King to take her father to hospital even though she was concerned about his health.

According to US entertainment website TMZ, Patty, who lives with her father, wanted to hospitalise him as he was not eating and his urine was orange.

She claims that she called police after Toney refused her request. Officers then called paramedics, who agreed King should be treated in hospital.

Patty King said that her father had suffered a minor heart attack.

She filed a police report in November claiming elder abuse and accusing Toney and her assistant of defrauding millions from the musician.

Police are investigating the allegations and no charges have been filed.

BB King, whose real name is Riley B. King, was admitted to hospital in early April due to dehydration from Type II diabetes. He has lived with the condition for over two decades.

The musician was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 1987 and is best known for his songs Three O'Clock Blues, The Thrill Is Gone and When Love Comes to Town, from U2's 1998 album Rattle and Hum.

Born in Mississippi in the 1940s, the musician, nicknamed the King of the Blues, has released more than 50 albums during his 67 years in music.