Joni Mitchell officially becomes a US citizen after more than 62 years in America
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Joni Mitchell is now officially a US citizen. The 82-year-old music legend has been living in America for over six decades but recently received the official document certifying her legal status.
Joni Mitchell announces getting US citizenship
On Tuesday, October 13, Mitchell shared the news on her Instagram as well as X accounts. In a photo, the singer was seen standing and smiling in front of a US Department of Homeland Security flag and an American flag.
The caption of the post read, “A journey that began 62 years ago.”
Mitchell’s post also featured a video, in which a woman is heard announcing, “Joni Mitchell, Canada,” as others cheer and clap for the multi-instrumentalist.
Joni Mitchell moved to the US in the 1960s
The 82-year-old was born in Alberta, Canada, in 1943, but later her family moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Years later, in 1965, Mitchell shifted to the US with her ex-husband and folk singer, Chuck Mitchell.
Her music career as a solo artist reportedly started in 1968 when she released her debut album ‘Song to a Seagull.’ Over the decades, the icon has released 18 studio albums, and most of them were recorded and produced on American soil.
Joni Mitchell called herself ‘lousy immigrant’
In 2024, Mitchell expressed her disappointment at not being a US citizen. She urged people to “get out and vote” at the Hollywood Bowl before adding, “This is an important one. I wish I could vote -- I'm Canadian. One of those lousy immigrants.”
At the time, she even slammed US President Donald Trump.
Earlier this year, while receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Juno Awards in Ontario, Canada, she said, “I’m so glad to be back in Canada. I’m living in the States, and you know what’s happening there.”
Joni Mitchell expressed concern for Canada
However, Mitchell has equally been vocal about Canadian politics.
As per her website, a statement from 2006 read, “While she still sees herself as a Canadian first - she is both a Canadian and U.S. citizen - Ms Mitchell believes the country is sliding dangerously close to assimilation with the U.S., politically, economically and culturally.”
She had added, “Canada has got a bad case of Americanitis. Our governments have become too impressed with America. It's safer sometimes to stand back a bit from the big guys.”
The Grammy-winner was also not afraid to be seen “like a bit of a curmudgeon.” Her website noted, “She cheerfully concedes she doesn't own a cellphone, a computer or use e-mail.”
