Joni Mitchell team denies report that singer is in a coma

Despite a report from TMZ that singer Joni Mitchell is in a coma, her representatives say that she's alert and has every chance of recovery.

Mitchell, 71, was taken to hospital 31 March after being found unconscious on the floor of her Los Angeles home. Her condition then was deemed serious. No official diagnosis has been publicly released.

Mitchell's close friend of 44 years, Leslie Morris, has filed legal documents to obtain a conservatorship to handle decisions for the legendary singer. Mitchell is "so impaired as to be incapable of being assessed," according to the court documents, TMZ reported. "At this time, she remains unconscious and unable to make any responses, and is therefore unable to provide for any of her personal needs," the file states.

Though Mitchell's team said in a statement on her web site that she is still in hospital, "she comprehends, she's alert, and she has her full senses. A full recovery is expected."

The document obtained by TMZ "simply gives ... longtime friend Leslie Morris the authority — in the absence of 24-hour doctor care — to make decisions for Joni once she leaves the hospital," the statement adds. "As we all know, Joni is a strong-willed woman and is nowhere near giving up the fight. Please keep Joni in your thoughts."

MItchell has smoked heavily throughout her life. She also suffers from the mysterious Morgellons Disease, which includes lesions and the feeling of fibers beneath the skin.

The eight-time Grammy winner is known for a variety of hit songs, including"Both Sides Now," "The Circle Game," "Free Man in Paris," "Big Yellow Taxi" and "River." She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

Her last album of original music, "Shine," was released in 2007.