Joni Mitchell is allegedly in a coma and unresponsive, reported TMZ before being denied by Joni’s reps. The 70-year-old singer was rushed to the hospital less than a month ago after being found unconscious.
Mitchell’s website posted an update earlier today that contradicts the TMZ story:
“Contrary to rumors circulating on the Internet today, Joni is not in a coma. Joni is still in the hospital – but she comprehends, she’s alert, and she has her full senses. A full recovery is expected. The document obtained by a certain media outlet simply gives her longtime friend Leslie Morris the authority – in the absence of 24-hour doctor care – to make care decisions for Joni once she leaves the hospital. As we all know, Joni is a strong-willed woman and is nowhere near giving up the fight. Please continue to keep Joni in your thoughts.”
On March 31st, 911 emergency services received a call that Mitchell was found unconscious in her Bel Air home. According to her website, she awakened while in the ambulance and was “in good spirits.”
The TMZ story reports that Mitchell is unable to respond to anyone with “no immediate prospects for getting better.” TMZ also posted a document, allegedly referring to Mitchell, that states she is unavailable to provide for any of her personal needs. It continues to state that Leslie Morris, Mitchell’s longtime close friend, has been granted a conservatorship since Mitchell cannot speak for herself.
Her website links to a message board where fans and friends can send her good wishes.
Mitchell struggles with Morgellons Disease, a skin condition that causes much pain and physical suffering, as well difficulty concentrating and memory loss. The disease has kept Mitchell from performing in recent years, according to an interview with Billboard.