Joni Mitchell said to be 'alert' despite coma claims
Reports had claimed that the 71-year-old folk icon had become unresponsive
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Representatives for Joni Mitchell last night denied reports that the singer-songwriter had slipped into a coma.
The 71-year-old folk icon was rushed to hospital on 31 March after collapsing at her home in Los Angeles. It emerged yesterday that her close friend Leslie Morris had filed legal documents to obtain conservatorship over the musician and her affairs. But contrary to widely reported claims, a statement posted on Mitchell’s official website yesterday said, “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 statement continued: “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.”
Mitchell, a stalwart of the late 1960s Laurel Canyon scene, wrote such enduring hits as “Big Yellow Taxi”, “Both Sides Now” and the album Blue. Her last LP Shine was released in 2007. A lifelong smoker, Mitchell has said that cigarettes “robbed me of my voice”. She also suffers from the little-understood condition, Morgellons Disease, which afflicts victims with irritable, thread-like fibres beneath the skin.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments