Today there has been a very, very sad report regarding one of the towering musical geniuses of the past fifty years.
Via Billboard.com:
Joni Mitchell is reportedly unconscious in a hospital and incapable of responding to anyone, according to TMZ.
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."
I'm not sure what else we can do besides listen to her staggeringly beautiful voice singing those amazing songs and give our thoughts and prayers to Joni, her family and her friends.
Here is my contribution. It would be wonderful to hear some of your favorites in the comments.
Get better, Joni...we're not ready to lose you just yet.
UPDATE: The situation has become less clear. According to a post on JoniMitchell.com:
Apr 28: Update on Joni's health
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.
However, TMZ, who originally broke the
story, have posted today's court document (available for viewing
here) that seems to confirm that unfortunately it's not merely a rumor. The document states:
"The Proposed Conservatee (Ms. Mitchell) suffered a medical emergency in late March and was taken to UCLA Medical Center, where she remains at this time. At this time she remains unconscious and unable to make any responses, and is therefore unable to provide for any of her personal needs."
With the conflicting court document and website statement, it's unclear exactly what is going on, and frankly...this situation is getting a little strange. All we know for certain right now is that Joni had a serious medical emergency on the last day of March, has remained in the hospital for almost a month, and has not personally released any statement to the press or her fans.
Obviously, we all hope that the website statement is correct.
Further updates will be posted as they arrive.