Joni Mitchell may be released from hospital soon

An attorney says ailing singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell may be released from the hospital in a few days.

Attorney Alan Watenmaker cited Mitchell's possible release as the reason for why one of the singer's longtime friends needed to be appointed as her conservator during a court hearing Monday.

A judge agreed and gave Leslie Morris emergency powers to make decisions about Mitchell's health care and lifestyle.

Morris, Mitchell's friend of more than 40 years, petitioned last week to become the Grammy winner's conservator because there are no relatives who could serve.

Morris' petition, accompanied by a doctor's statement, stated that Mitchell was unconscious and unable to participate in her care. Mitchell's official website has said she is expected to make a full recovery -- it was the first update posted since early April, when a message stated she was resting comfortably and getting stronger each day.

No further information about Mitchell's health was discussed.

Mitchell, an eight-time Grammy winner, is the voice behind such songs as "River," "Both Sides Now," "Woodstock," "Chelsea Morning" and "Big Yellow Taxi." She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

Last year, Mitchell released four-disc box set. Her most recent studio album, "Shine," came out in 2007.