After more than sixty years away from Canada, iconic singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell has officially acquired U.S. citizenship, a choice she states was motivated by her desire to participate in elections.
The 82-year-old musician announced this milestone on Instagram and X on Tuesday, sharing both a photo and a video from her naturalization event.
In the shared image, Mitchell is depicted smiling, adorned in a red beret and sunglasses, while clutching a small American flag decorated with stars and stripes, which is pinned to her cardigan. The second image features a video capturing the moment she is greeted with applause as she approaches the stage during the ceremony.
Her caption was succinct: “A journey that began 62 years ago.”
CBC News attempted to contact Mitchell’s representatives but did not receive a response.
In an additional update on social media Thursday, the artist elaborated on her choice and expressed her pride in her new status.
“I became a citizen so I could vote. I didn’t relinquish my Canadian citizenship, and I never will,” stated a post on the official Joni Mitchell Instagram account.
“I’m a proud Canerican like Neil Young.”
Both Canada and the U.S. permit dual citizenship, meaning Mitchell will keep her Canadian passport.
Mitchell provided further details about her U.S. citizenship in another social media update on Thursday. (Joni Mitchell/Instagram)
Born Roberta Joan Anderson in Fort Macleod, Alberta, in 1943, Mitchell relocated to the United States in the mid-1960s during a short marriage to American musician Chuck Mitchell.
She lived in Detroit and New York before establishing her home in California, where she became a pivotal figure in the Laurel Canyon music scene.
Although she now resides in Santa Barbara, California, she also maintains a second home on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast.
Mitchell is celebrated for hits such as Big Yellow Taxi and Woodstock, as well as for the 1971 album Blue, which is widely considered one of her seminal works.
Throughout her career, Mitchell has transitioned from a folk singer in Toronto’s coffee houses to one of the most significant songwriters in history.
With a total of 19 studio albums, her accolades include 11 Grammy Awards, five Juno Awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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Given Mitchell’s pronounced political views in recent years, the timing of her U.S. citizenship raised some eyebrows. According to a press release on her website, at a 2024 performance at the Hollywood Bowl, Mitchell used strong language to describe U.S. President Donald Trump and encouraged the audience to participate in voting.
“I wish I could vote [in the U.S.]. I’m Canadian,” she remarked to the crowd at that time. “I’m one of those lousy immigrants.”
Mitchell’s announcement received mixed responses on social media. Many expressed joy at the news. On X, user @NicoFranckerdk described it as a “special moment for Joni.”
X user @NicoFranckerdk celebrates Joni Mitchell’s announcement that she has become a U.S. citizen. (NicoFranckerdk/X)
X user @CanadaLinty commented, “Just in time to vote in the midterms. Welcome aboard from another Cdn expat.”
Conversely, some questioned the timing of the revelation amidst tense U.S.-Canada relations and Mitchell’s vocal criticism of Trump.
X user @QueenofLaundry expressed her dissatisfaction, stating “What?! Jesus READ THE ROOM Joni! Not impressed at all.”
X user @QueenofLaundry voiced disapproval regarding Mitchell’s announcement. (@QueenofLaundry/X)
X user @FDelicioso remarked, “Never did I think I’d see Joni Mitchell be so completely tone deaf.”
Following a brain aneurysm in 2015 that affected her speech and mobility, Mitchell underwent years of recovery before making her return to public performances in 2022.
In March, Prime Minister Mark Carney honored her with a lifetime achievement award at the Juno Awards held in Hamilton, Ontario.
As Mitchell officially becomes part of the American citizenry, her life story may soon be depicted on the big screen. A biopic is reportedly under development, with director Cameron Crowe and actress Meryl Streep involved in the project, according to IMDb.