Joni Mitchell Becomes U.S. Citizen After 62-Year Journey
The Canadian-born music icon, an outspoken critic of former President Trump, completed her naturalization process at age 82.
Joni Mitchell, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, has officially become an American citizen at age 82, more than six decades after she first moved to the United States. Mitchell shared the news of her naturalization ceremony on Instagram, posting a photo of herself holding an American flag and a video from the event.
"A journey that began 62 years ago," Mitchell captioned her post. The singer, born Roberta Joan Anderson in Fort Macleod, Alberta, moved to the U.S. in 1965 at age 21. She will retain her Canadian citizenship, as both countries permit dual nationality.
Michell's musical career began in Canadian coffee houses and folk clubs before she relocated to Detroit, Michigan, in 1965 after marrying American folk singer Chuck Mitchell. After their divorce in 1967, she moved to New York City and then to Los Angeles, where she became a prominent figure in the Laurel Canyon music scene.
Throughout her career, Mitchell has released acclaimed albums such as "Blue" and "Court and Spark," earning 11 Grammy Awards. She was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1997. She currently resides in Santa Barbara, California.
Mitchell has been an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump. During a 2024 performance at the Hollywood Bowl, she incorporated anti-Trump sentiments into her song "Dog Eat Dog." Responding to an audience member, she expressed regret over not being able to vote in U.S. elections as a Canadian, calling herself a "lousy immigrant."
In March, while accepting a lifetime achievement award at Canada's Juno Awards, Mitchell praised Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and appeared to contrast Canada's political climate with that of the U.S. under the Trump administration. When asked about her remarks by The Independent, a White House spokesperson reportedly responded, "Who the hell is Joni Mitchell?"
At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Mitchell also wore an "ICE OUT" pin while accepting the award for Best Historical Album, joining other entertainers protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies.