Joni Mitchell's website says she's alert; earlier friend said singer was unconscious.

LOS ANGELES -- Conflicting information about Joni Mitchell's health was released Tuesday, with a longtime friend stating in a court filing that the singer was unconscious and unable to care for herself while a statement from the Grammy winner's website stated she is alert and expected to make a full recovery.

Mitchell, 71, has been hospitalized since March 31 for undisclosed reasons. Her longtime friend Leslie Morris filed a petition to become Mitchell's guardian on Tuesday, stating that the singer-songwriter was unable to care for herself.

Within hours, Mitchell's official website stated that ''She comprehends, she's alert and she has her full senses. A full recovery is expected.''

Morris' court filing was accompanied by a doctor's declaration stating that Mitchell would be unable to attend a court hearing for four to six months, but it included no additional details on her condition or prognosis. Dr. Paul Vespa checked a box signed on Saturday indicating that Mitchell was unable to participate in her medical care.

''At this time (Mitchell) remains unconscious and...