Legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, after more than sixty years away from Canada, has recently obtained U.S. citizenship, a move she made to exercise her right to vote. Mitchell, who is 82 years old, first disclosed this information on Instagram and X, sharing a photo and video from her naturalization ceremony. The picture captures Mitchell smiling, wearing a red beret and sunglasses, and holding a small American flag attached to her cardigan. The video shows her receiving applause as she steps forward during the ceremony, with her caption simply stating, “A journey that began 62 years ago.”
In a subsequent social media update, Mitchell elaborated on her decision and expressed pride in her new status. She clarified that she acquired U.S. citizenship to participate in voting while emphasizing that she has not relinquished her Canadian citizenship and has no intention to do so. Mitchell humorously referred to herself as a “proud Canerican like Neil Young,” highlighting the dual citizenship agreement between Canada and the U.S.
Born as Roberta Joan Anderson in Fort Macleod, Alta., in 1943, Mitchell relocated to the United States in the mid-1960s during a brief marriage to American musician Chuck Mitchell. She resided in Detroit and New York before permanently settling in California, where she became a prominent figure in the Laurel Canyon music scene. Although she currently lives in Santa Barbara, Calif., she also maintains a second residence on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast.
Renowned for songs like “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Woodstock,” as well as her critically acclaimed 1971 album “Blue,” Mitchell has transitioned from a folk singer performing in Toronto coffee houses to one of the most influential songwriters in history. With a discography of 19 studio albums, she boasts an impressive array of accolades, including 11 Grammys, five Juno Awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Mitchell’s decision to pursue U.S. citizenship has sparked interest, particularly due to her vocal political views in recent years and her public criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The announcement drew mixed reactions on social media, with some users celebrating the news while others questioned the timing amidst strained U.S.-Canada relations and Mitchell’s previous remarks. Despite the varied responses, Mitchell remains an iconic figure in the music industry, with a biopic reportedly in development that may soon bring her remarkable life story to the big screen.