Joni Mitchell Sworn In as U.S. Citizen After 62 Years

Key points

• Joni Mitchell, 82, became a U.S. citizen on October 13, 2026, after moving to the U.S. in 1965.
• She shared a video and photo of her citizenship ceremony on Instagram, captioning it 'A journey that began 62 years ago.'
• Mitchell had previously expressed frustration at not being able to vote in U.S. elections, notably during a 2024 concert.
• She was born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, and has lived in the U.S. since the mid-1960s, recording most of her 18 studio albums there.
• The citizenship grants her voting rights, a change from her previous status as a Canadian national living in the U.S.

Background

Mitchell has been a prominent figure in U.S. music since the late 1960s, releasing her debut album in 1968 and establishing a career largely based in California. She suffered a brain aneurysm in 2015, which led to a period out of the public eye before her return to live performance in 2022. A biopic about her life, directed by Cameron Crowe and starring Meryl Streep, is currently in production.

How outlets are covering it

ABC News and The New York Times focused on the ceremonial aspect of the event, highlighting the applause and Mitchell's appearance in a red beret. The Guardian emphasized the political implications, noting her previous complaints about not being able to vote and her 2024 criticism of President Trump. Rolling Stone contextualized the event within the broader music industry, mentioning Neil Young's similar citizenship journey and the upcoming biopic. All outlets agreed on the core facts but differed in emphasis: some highlighted the personal journey, while others focused on the political and cultural significance.

Why it matters

Mitchell's citizenship marks a significant personal milestone and allows her to participate in U.S. elections, a right she had long sought. It also resolves a previous controversy where she was excluded from lists of American songwriters due to her citizenship status. The move underscores the complex relationship between artists and the countries they live in, particularly for those who have contributed significantly to a nation's cultural landscape without formal citizenship.

What to watch

Mitchell will now be able to vote in upcoming U.S. elections, including the midterms. The biopic about her life, directed by Cameron Crowe and starring Meryl Streep, is expected to be released in the near future. Her next album, if any, will likely be recorded and released under her new citizenship status.