Joni Mitchell Takes Major Step After Decades in America

Joni Mitchell is officially an American citizen, completing a journey that began more than six decades ago when the Canadian-born music legend first moved to the United States.

Mitchell, 82, announced her naturalization on Instagram with a photo of herself smiling while holding an American flag, per Fox News.

She also shared video from the citizenship ceremony, where she received cheers and applause after her name was announced.

"A journey that began 62 years ago," Mitchell wrote alongside the post.

At the ceremony, Mitchell wore a red and navy floral cardigan decorated with an American flag pin, along with a red beret, red beaded necklace, black pants, and black boots. She was seated in the front row when the speaker announced, "And Joni Mitchell, Canada," prompting applause from those attending.

Mitchell will retain her Canadian citizenship, as the United States and Canada allow citizens to hold citizenship in both countries, according to KSL.

Born Roberta Joan Anderson in Fort Macleod, Alberta, Mitchell spent much of her childhood in Canada. Her family lived on several military bases during World War II before settling in Saskatoon, which she has described as her hometown.

She later attended the Alberta College of Art in Calgary before leaving school and moving to Toronto. There, she began performing at coffee houses and folk clubs before relocating to the United States in 1965 at age 21.

Her move came after marrying American folk singer Chuck Mitchell. The couple lived in Detroit and performed together before divorcing in 1967.

Mitchell then moved to New York City, where she became part of the Greenwich Village folk scene. By 1968, she had relocated to Los Angeles and settled in Laurel Canyon, where she developed her career alongside other prominent singer-songwriters.

Her years in California produced some of her most celebrated albums, including "Blue," "Court and Spark" and "Ladies of the Canyon." Mitchell has won 11 Grammy Awards and was inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1997.

She later received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2021 and the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2023.

Mitchell has also been outspoken about U.S. politics, including criticism of President Donald Trump. During a 2024 Hollywood Bowl performance, she expressed frustration that she could not vote because she was Canadian.

Now, after 62 years in the United States, Mitchell can officially participate as an American citizen.