Joni Mitchell becomes a US citizen at 82: "A journey that began 62 years ago"

After more than sixty years spent in the United States, Joni Mitchell has officially become an American citizen. The Canadian singer-songwriter, 82, was granted citizenship on October 14th, announcing the news through her social media channels. On Instagram she shared a video of the naturalization ceremony along with a photo of herself in front of the Stars and Stripes, calling the milestone the culmination of "a journey that began 62 years ago."

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Born in 1943 in Fort Macleod, in the Canadian province of Alberta, Mitchell moved to the United States in the mid-1960s, settling first in Michigan before later splitting her time between New York and California. It was in the United States that she would go on to build the bulk of her extraordinary career, becoming one of the most influential figures in contemporary singer-songwriter music thanks to landmark albums such as "Blue", "Court And Spark" and "Hejira".

The naturalization also carries political weight: for the first time, Mitchell will be able to vote in American elections, potentially starting with the upcoming midterms. The artist has never hidden her critical stance toward Donald Trump. During a concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in 2024, she even quoted YG's rap track "Fuck Donald Trump," joking afterward about her status as a Canadian immigrant with no right to vote: "I wish I could vote... I'm Canadian. I'm one of those filthy immigrants," she said from the stage.
With her new citizenship, Mitchell won't have to give up her roots: she will also keep her Canadian passport, since both countries recognize dual citizenship. A new chapter in the life of an artist who, though born in Canada, has woven her personal and musical story inseparably together with that of the United States.

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