News of singer Joni Mitchell's death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the September 2014 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports. Thankfully, the singer best known for her hits Big Yellow Taxi, Woodstock or Both Sides, Now is alive and well.

Joni Mitchell death hoax spreads on Facebook

Rumors of the singer's alleged demise gained traction on Saturday after a 'R.I.P. Joni Mitchell' Facebook page attracted nearly one million of 'likes'. Those who read the 'About' page were given a believable account of the Canadian singer's passing:

"At about 11 a.m. ET on Saturday (September 06, 2014), our beloved singer Joni Mitchell passed away. Joni Mitchell was born on November 7, 1943 in Fort Macleod. She will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page." Hundreds of fans immediately started writing their messages of condolence on the Facebook page, expressing their sadness that the talented 70-year-old singer and songwriter was dead. And as usual, Twittersphere was frenzied over the death hoax.

Where as some trusting fans believed the post, others were immediately skeptical of the report, perhaps learning their lesson from the huge amount of fake death reports emerging about celebrities over recent months. Some pointed out that the news had not been carried on any major Canadian network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of a singer of Joni Mitchell's stature would be major news across networks.

A recent poll conducted for the Celebrity Post shows that a large majority (89%) of respondents think those Joni Mitchell death rumors are not funny anymore.

Joni Mitchell Death Hoax Dismissed Since Singer Is 'Alive And Well'

On Sunday (September 07) the singer's reps officially confirmed that Joni Mitchell is not dead. "She joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. She's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet," they said.

Some fans have expressed anger at the fake report saying it was reckless, distressing and hurtful to fans of the much loved singer. Others say this shows her extreme popularity across the globe.