Mercedes Sosa in intensive care (Updated)

Update (2 October):

Mercedes Sosa's health has worsened on Friday according to doctors at the Buenos Aires clinic where she is in critical condition. She continues to be using an artificial respirator yet she has also fallen into a "pharmacological coma."

Sadly it appears that the “Voice of America” may soon be silenced forever.

Original Post:

One of Argentina’s greatest singers is in very delicate health.

Folk artist Mercedes Sosa is at a Buenos Aires hospital in critical condition while hooked up to an artificial respirator. Doctors at the intensive care unit said that she "has progressively worsened due to heart failure and breathing problems" over the eleven days since she’s been there.

Fans of the “Voice of America” have held a vigil outside the hospital while her distraught son has called on people to pray for her. She has been visited by numerous contemporaries like Facundo Saravia and Fito Paez though one of her friends sees little chance for recovery:

While talking with a Buenos Aires radio station (singer and friend Victor) Heredia confirmed that the 74-year-old “is in a delicate state”.

“One foresees these things far away in time. But it’s a devastating blow when they actually happen.”

Sosa’s career has spanned nearly six decades despite being forcibly exiled during the “Dirty War” dictatorship. Her latest double-volume album was recently nominated for a Latin Grammy and includes collaborations with the likes of Caetano Veloso, Calle 13 and Shakira:

Here’s hoping that Sosa can recover despite her inching towards death’s door.

Online Sources- LAHT, AFP, YouTube, Momento 24, AP earthtimes.org