Singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, 82, has become a US citizen after living in America for over six decades. She stated the move allows her to vote while retaining her Canadian citizenship.
Joni Mitchell, the 82-year-old singer-songwriter, has officially become a United States citizen, more than 60 years after she first moved to the country. Mitchell announced the milestone on social media on Tuesday, Oct. 13, sharing footage of her naturalization ceremony and a photo of herself holding an American flag. "A journey that began 62 years ago," Mitchell wrote in the caption, according to The Guardian.
Mitchell stated that her primary reason for seeking citizenship was to participate in US elections. "I became a citizen so I could vote," Mitchell told Rolling Stone. "I didn’t give up my Canadian citizenship, and I never will."
The musician, who was born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, in 1943, has long expressed frustration at her inability to vote in the US. At a 2024 concert at the Hollywood Bowl, she told the audience, "I wish I could vote ... I’m a Canadian. I’m one of those lousy immigrants," as reported by The Guardian. She has also been vocal in her criticism of former President Donald Trump, stating at the same event, "Fuck Donald Trump, I love that song," referring to a track by rapper YG.
Mitchell described her new status as being a "Canerican," a term she also used to describe fellow Canadian-born musician Neil Young, who became a US citizen in 2020. According to Fox News, the US and Canada legally permit dual citizenship, allowing Mitchell to retain her Canadian nationality.
Coinciding with her citizenship announcement, Mitchell revealed a new book of paintings titled NEWS, set for release on Nov. 4. The collection consists of 23 paintings that address the 24-hour news cycle and political climate. "In the current climate, I felt a need to express my concern. It is an artist’s duty to speak up," Mitchell said in a statement cited by People.
Mitchell described the project as a form of protest. "NEWS is my protest song — a song not for the ears but for the eyes," she said. "This is now fake news!" The book will be published by Julien’s Publishing. A selection of the paintings will be displayed at the L.A. Louver gallery in Venice, California, on Oct. 29 and 30. Additionally, Julien’s Auctions is offering the first 10 hand-numbered and signed editions of the book, with proceeds benefiting the ACLU, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Save the Children, and ASPCA.
Mitchell moved to the US in 1965 after marrying folk singer Chuck Mitchell. She settled in Los Angeles’ Laurel Canyon in the late 1960s, where she recorded her first gold-selling album, Ladies of the Canyon. She currently resides in Santa Barbara, California.
Her career includes 18 studio albums, 11 Grammy Awards, and inductions into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In recent years, Mitchell has returned to live performance, including appearances at the Newport Folk Festival and her "Joni Jam" concerts. A biopic about her life, directed by Cameron Crowe, is currently in preparation, with Meryl Streep announced to play the lead role.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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