After reports Tuesday afternoon that Joni Mitchell was in a coma and unresponsive, the singer-songwriter’s website vigorously denied the claims and said she was alert, responsive and not in imminent danger.
The posting at JoniMitchell.com said that media outlets led by TMZ had overstated the significance of a legal documents filed by a longtime friend asking to take over her care.
“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 post said.
Miss Mitchell, best known as a performer for the hits “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Help Me,” was found unconscious March 31 in her Los Angeles home.
The site acknowledged that Leslie Morris, identified in court papers as a friend of Miss Mitchell for 44 years, had asked to have the right to make medical decisions for the 71-year-old singer-songwriter.
But the papers merely gives Miss 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.”
The site asked that fans “continue to keep Joni in your thoughts. You may add your well wishes for her at the website WeLoveYouJoni.com.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.
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