Canadian Singer Joni Mitchell Officially Becomes U.S. Citizen After 62 Years of Travel
Joni Mitchell shared photos and video from her citizenship ceremony, where the 82-year-old became a United States citizen while keeping her Canadian citizenship.
Country star Chris Johnson shares a patriotic message to celebrate America's 250
Joni Mitchell officially became an American citizen at the age of 82, more than six decades after moving to the United States.
The music icon, who hails from Canada, announced the news on Instagram, sharing a photo of himself holding an American flag along with a video of his naturalization ceremony.
Mitchell wrote in the description of his post: A journey that began 62 years ago.
Joni Mitchell became a US citizen after 62 years of living in America. (Joni Mitchell's Instagram)
ART GARFUNKEL joins a growing list of celebrities who plan to move abroad because of the Trump presidency.
Posing between the American flag and the Department of Homeland Security flag, Mitchell wore a red and blue cardigan with an American flag pin along with a red beaded necklace, a red hat and black pants with black boots.
In a video Mitchell uploaded, she was seated in the front row of the ceremony as the speaker announced, "And Joni Mitchell, Canada," to a standing ovation from the audience.
According to KSL, Mitchell will also retain his Canadian citizenship because the United States and Canada legally allow dual citizenship.
The legendary singer-songwriter Roberta Joan Anderson was born in Fort McLeod, Alberta to Royal Canadian Air Force Flight Lieutenant William Andrew Anderson and teacher Myrtle Marguerite.
The Mitchell family lived on several bases during World War II before finally settling in Saskatoon, which the singer often refers to as her hometown. He attended the Alberta College of Art in Calgary, where he performed in local coffeehouses and clubs, before dropping out and moving to Toronto.
The "Both Sides Now" songwriter moved to the United States in 1965 at the age of 21 after marrying American singer Chuck Mitchell. The former couple, who lived in Detroit, Michigan, performed together as a folk duo before divorcing in 1967.
After their divorce, Mitchell left Detroit and moved to New York City, where she became part of the Greenwich Village local scene and performed along the East Coast.
In 1968, Mitchell moved to Los Angeles and settled in Laurel Canyon, which was becoming a hub for singer-songwriters including David Crosby, Graham Nash and others. In the mid-1970s, Mitchell moved to the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, where she lived for several decades in a historic 1920s home.
Mitchell continued to build her legendary music career while living in California, where she recorded many of her most acclaimed albums, including "Blue," "Court and Spark," and "Ladies of the Canyon."
Mitchell lived in Detroit before moving to New York City and then Los Angeles. (Redferns)
He was also recognized with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2021 and received the prestigious Library of Congress Gershwin Award for Popular Song in 2023.
The musician currently lives in Santa Barbara, California.
Mitchell is an outspoken critic of US President Donald Trump and expressed his disappointment that he could not vote in the US election because he is Canadian.
Expert: Chris Robinson, Bruce Springsteen Face Backlash as 'Americans Enough' for Speech
According to Billboard, Mitchell attacked Trump during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in October 2024 during a performance of her 1985 hit "Dog Eat Dog."
After singing a song about wealthy tycoons, he added: "Like Donald Trump!"
After performing the song, Mitchell responded to an audience member who yelled anti-Trump slurs.
"F--- Donald Trump." I love that song,” he said, apparently referring to rapper YG's 2016 protest song "FDT (F--- Donald Trump)" featuring the late rapper and activist Nipsey Hassell.
He then encouraged Americans to participate in the 2024 US presidential election, in which Trump ran against former vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
"Everybody get out and vote," Mitchell said. This is an important issue. I wish I could vote - I'm Canadian. I'm one of those evil immigrants."
Months before she became an American citizen, Mitchell criticized the political climate in the United States while accepting a lifetime achievement award at Canada's Juno Awards in March.
At the event, Mitchell praised Canadian Prime Minister Mark Kordkarni, saying: "I'm so happy to be back in Canada. This man is a blessing. You guys are so lucky."
Get SCOOP entertainment delivered straight to your email by clicking here
He also appeared to criticize the Trump administration while pitting Canada against the United States.
"I live in the United States and you know what happens there," he said.
After Mitchell's remarks at the Juno Awards, the White House issued a dismissive response.
When asked about her comments, White House press secretary Davis Ingle told The Independent: "Who the hell is Joni Mitchell?"
Mitchell also appeared to voice her opposition to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies during the 2026 Grammy Awards.
While accepting the award for Best Historical Album, he wore an "ICE OUT" pin, joining other artists protesting US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Elizabeth Hurley takes a shower as her diamond ring sparks Billy Ray Cyrus romance speculation.
John Stamos says Beach Boys legend Mike Love is facing "serious health challenges."
Salma Blair's boyfriend is asking fans to "pray" for the actress after the Delta flight incident and rape allegations.