UPDATE: After this story was published, a post on JoniMitchell.com denied reports that the singer/songwriter is in a coma. “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. You may add your well wishes for her at the website WeLoveYouJoni.com.”
Joni Mitchell is reportedly unconscious in a hospital and incapable of responding to anyone, according to TMZ.
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This news arrives nearly a month after the legendary singer-songwriter was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital. At the time, her website informed concerned fans that “Joni is currently in intensive care in an L.A. area hospital but is awake and in good spirits.” The last official update on her site, dated April 3, reads, “Joni remains under observation in the hospital and is resting comfortably. We are encouraged by her progress and she continues to improve and get stronger each day.”
That prognosis has seemingly changed, with Mitchell reportedly in a coma, according to TMZ.
Indeed, multiple sources have suggested to Billboard that Mitchell’s condition was far worse than the public was led to believe, with one insider alleging, “It’s very serious.”
Joni Mitchell Talks Not Being Able to Perform Anymore
Prior to her recent hospitalization, Mitchell spoke publicly about suffering from Morgellons Disease, a rare skin condition which she described as “this weird, incurable disease that seems like it’s from outer space.” Morgellons is controversial in the medical community, with many doctors denying it even exists.
Speaking to Billboard in 2014, Mitchell shut down ideas of following up her 2007 album Shine. “No, I’ve had a very full life,” Mitchell said. “I don’t miss much of anything. I can’t sing anymore — don’t miss it. I can’t play anymore — don’t miss it.”
Mitchell’s Blue and Court and Sparks are frequently named two of the greatest albums of all time. The latter release, along with her live album Miles of Aisles, were her highest-charting albums on the Billboard 200: Both peaked at No. 2.