Leslie Morris was appointed the 71-year-old singer's temporary conservator after a hearing on Monday, May 4.
- May 6, 2015
AceShowbiz -
Joni Mitchell's close friend Leslie Morris was appointed her temporary conservator after a hearing on Monday, May 4. According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Leslie obtained conservatorship over Joni to "provide for temporary care, maintenance and support" of the singer but she didn't have authorization to "take possession of money or any other property without a specific court order." The order will be in place until July 8.
The Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David S. Cunningham III made the appointment after Joni's lawyer Alan Watenmaker said that although the "Big Yellow Taxi" singer might soon be released from hospital, she's still unable to make decisions on her own medical care or long-term treatment. Joni's court-appointed attorney Rebecca Thyne agreed with the assessment, saying, "I believe that it is very necessary."
In late April, Joni was rumored to be in a coma and unresponsive in hospital. However, her rep denied it. "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 rep said in a statement.
