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Mitchell's friends deny she's in a coma

Reports that Joni Mitchell is lying unresponsive in a coma are false, according to the singer's official website.

Folk music legend Joni Mitchell
Folk music legend Joni Mitchell is reportedly in a coma four weeks after being admitted to hospital. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Joni Mitchell is not in a coma.

According to a statement on her official website, reports that the folk musician is in a coma are false and, instead, the singer is expected to make a full recovery.

The 71-year-old was admitted to hospital on March 31 after being found unconscious at her home in Los Angeles.

"Contrary to rumours 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 statement reads.

Celebrity website, TMZ, was one of the first to report on the singer's alleged coma in a report that claimed the singer was "unresponsive".

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The report also said the singer's close friend of 44 years, Leslie Morris, had filed legal documents to obtain legal guardianship over her.

It is this document that appears to have sparked the coma rumours.

"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," the statement on Mitchell's website reads.

Those close to Mitchell remain positive and hopeful that Mitchell will recover.

"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," the statement says.

The legendary singer, known for hits including Big Yellow Taxi and Both Sides Now, has received eight Grammys and she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

Mitchell has spoken before about a condition she has called Morgellons disease, which is described as a crawling, biting or stinging sensation all over the body.


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