One of the most iconic women in the folk music scene and political protest songs, Joni Mitchell's health has been a subject of controversy over the past few days, as it's unclear how the 71 year-old star is doing following her widely publicized hospitalization.

A few weeks back, Food World News reported that Joni Mitchell's health had taken a turn for the worse, when the famous 60s protest singer-songwriter was rushed to a California hospital after appearing unresponsive; now, the Internet is filled with contradictory updates about whether she's recovering or near death.

Last year, the "Big Yellow Taxi" singer confessed that Joni Mitchell's health was flaky these days, as she claims to suffer from a condition called Morgellons syndrome, which is yet unrecognized officially as a real disorder, as it involves patients suffering the delusional belief that they're infested with insects, parasites, bacteria and the like.

TMZ reports that Joni Mitchell's health is even worse than when she was first hospitalized earlier this month, claiming the legend is seemingly unconscious at the hospital, unable to respond - so much so that Leslie Morris, her close friend for well over 40 years, has recently filed legal documents to obtain conservatorship of the singer, stating that Mitchell has no close relatives to care for her in this scenario.

However, The Independent reports that sources close to her have denied rumors that Joni Mitchell's health is in such poor conditions, saying the singer "comprehends" and is "alert."

"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," said Morris in a statement on the singer's official website. "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."