Joni Mitchell, the Canadian-born singer-songwriter, has officially become a U.S. citizen, more than six decades after she first moved across the border.
Mitchell, 82, shared video of her naturalization ceremony on Instagram Tuesday along with a photo of herself beside an American flag. The caption read: “A journey that began 62 years ago.” In the photo, posted to her account with more than one million followers, Mitchell wore a red beret, sunglasses and extra stars and stripes pinned to her cardigan.
Citizenship means Mitchell can now vote in U.S. elections, something she had previously said she could not do.
At a concert in 2024, according to the Guardian, Mitchell said: “Fuck Donald Trump, I love that song,” referring to a rap track by YG. She added, “I wish I could vote … I’m a Canadian. I’m one of those lousy immigrants.”
Mitchell made another pointed comment about Trump earlier this year during a rare public appearance to accept a lifetime achievement award at Canada’s Juno Awards. The Los Angeles resident told the crowd she was relieved to be back in her home country, saying: “I’m living in the States and you know what’s happening there.” She went on to praise Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, calling him “a blessing” and telling the audience, “You guys are so fortunate.”
Asked for comment on Mitchell’s remarks, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said: “Who the hell is Joni Mitchell?”
A Long Road South
Mitchell was born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, in 1943 and grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where she played her earliest gigs at folk clubs before moving on to Calgary and then Toronto. There she met American folk singer Chuck Mitchell. The two married in 1965, and Mitchell relocated to the United States. The marriage ended two years later, but Mitchell has remained in the U.S. ever since.
A documentary about Mitchell is currently in development from director Cameron Crowe, who began working on the project in the early 2020s. Earlier this year, record executive Clive Davis announced at a party that actress Meryl Streep is set to play Mitchell in an as-yet-untitled biopic.
