Joni Mitchell Update: Hospital Release Anticipated, But Leslie Morris Controls Medical Decisions As Fans Share Love

Joni Mitchell may soon be released from the hospital. However, the legendary singer and songwriter cannot discuss plans for her health treatment or medical care based on a court hearing, reported MSN.

Instead, Leslie Morris, who has been Joni’s friend for more than four decades, is in charge of the 71-year-old folk singer’s medical decisions. That authority follows statements by attorney Alan Watenmaker about why Joni should not have that responsibility.

Based on Superior Court Judge David S. Cunningham III’s ruling, Leslie is the one who will talk with Joni’s doctors and determine the best option for her friend after she is released from the hospital.

“I believe that it is very necessary,” agreed Joni’s attorney Rebecca Thyne in her statement to Cunningham.

Because Joni has no relatives available to take on this role, Morris filed a petition requesting the legal powers for her medical care.

Winner of eight Grammy awards, Joni has been in a Los Angeles hospital for more than a month. No precise details about the nature of her illness or anticipated outcome were released.

As the Inquisitr reported, Joni’s Web site has offered details since she was discovered unconscious in her home. Fans have poured out their support on social media.

“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,” reported her website.

Using the #WeLoveYouJoni hashtag, her fans posted their affection.

“There’s really no famous person I care about as much as this woman. To a rapid healing process. #WeLoveYouJoni”

“My aunts and uncles and parents would play you records. As a toddler I would fall asleep in front of the speaker, stairing into the patterns of the woven cover and of the songs. Later you helped me see that making art spanned across all mediums. Rightly so. You soothed my broken hearts and complimented the parties. The biggest bouquet of flowers that ever I picked was given to you because you have given so much to us by way of your lifes work. Good working Joni, now you get to rest. On behalf of my entire family, we thank you.”

“Grateful that you were there when I was growing up, in my radio, on my record, and in my heart. Sending my best and most positive vibes to transform your health.”

Although Morris controls her health decisions, she does not have any authority over Joni’s finances, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Mitchell’s musical career is legendary. Long before she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, she began her career as a Canadian street musician.

But it was Joni’s experiences influencing the southern California folk scene in the 1960s that made her so iconic. Among her most recognized achievements are her album Clouds, which included “Both Sides Now” and “Chelsea Morning.”

In addition, “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Woodstock” on her Ladies of the Canyon album enhanced her reputation as did Blue, ranking number 30 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.”

[Photo By Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images]