Joni Mitchell becomes a US citizen
Canada-born singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, 82, has become a US citizen after moving to the country in 1965. She shared footage of her citizenship ceremony on Instagram, calling it “a journey that began 62 years ago.”
variety.comJoni Mitchell Sworn In as a U.S. Citizen, Capping ‘a Journey That Began 62 Years Ago’
theguardian.comJoni Mitchell becomes US citizen: ‘A journey that began 62 years ago’
Citizenship ceremony
Joni Mitchell has become a US citizen. The Canada-born singer-songwriter, 82, posted footage of her citizenship ceremony on Instagram, alongside a photo of herself next to an American flag and the caption: “A journey that began 62 years ago.”
Citizenship means Mitchell can now vote in US elections. At a concert in 2024, she had said: “I wish I could vote... I’m a Canadian.”
Decades in the United States
Mitchell was born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, in 1943 and later settled with her family in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She performed in Canadian folk clubs before marrying US folk singer Chuck Mitchell in 1965 and moving to the United States. Their marriage ended two years later.
After releasing her debut album in 1968, she used its royalties to move to Los Angeles’ Laurel Canyon, where she recorded her first gold-selling album, Ladies of the Canyon. She remained based in California and now lives in Santa Barbara.
Return to performing
Mitchell’s most recent studio album is Shine, released in 2007. A brain aneurysm in 2015 required extensive recovery, but she returned to live performance with an unannounced set at the Newport folk festival in 2022 and has since appeared at several all-star “Joni Jam” concerts.
