Joni Mitchell Becomes U.S. Citizen After 62-Year Journey
The Canadian-born singer-songwriter celebrated her new citizenship by sharing a video from a U.S. Department of Homeland Security office.
Legendary artist Joni Mitchell has officially become a United States citizen, marking the end of a "journey that began 62 years ago," the singer-songwriter announced on Instagram. The 82-year-old Canadian native shared a clip from a U.S. Department of Homeland Security office, documenting the moment she was sworn in.
Mitchell, originally from Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada, first relocated to the U.S. with her then-husband Chuck Mitchell, residing in Detroit. She later moved to New York City before settling in California's Laurel Canyon in the late 1960s, an area that became a hub for musicians.
In the comment section of her Instagram post, Mitchell received congratulations from various individuals, including her former partner Graham Nash, who humorously noted, "Just in time to vote!" Other users expressed their support, with one writing, "Canada still loves you!!!" and another stating, "Some people become citizens. Others become part of a country’s soul. Joni did both."
Mitchell, who primarily lives in Santa Barbara, California, has previously spoken about splitting her time between Los Angeles and British Columbia. In a 2006 interview, she described L.A. as her "workplace" and B.C. as her "heartbeat."
This past March, Mitchell returned to Canada to accept the Juno Awards' Lifetime Achievement Award. During her acceptance speech, she alluded to U.S. politics, expressing gratitude for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and contrasting it with the situation in the United States. She also mentioned a desire to vote, stating at a previous performance, "F*** Donald Trump. I wish I could vote… I'm a Canadian. I'm one of those lousy immigrants."
Mitchell also reflected on her recovery from a brain aneurysm suffered in 2015, which had affected her speech, mobility, and ability to play guitar. She described the experience as a "catastrophe" that ultimately led to positive changes in her life, including being cared for by nurses and having a therapist who travels with her.