Joni Mitchell Naturalizes as U.S. Citizen After 62 Years in America
Joni Mitchell has officially become a U.S. citizen after living in the country for 62 years. The 82-year-old singer-songwriter announced the news via Instagram, sharing footage of her swearing-in ceremony. This decision grants her the right to vote in U.S. elections, a privilege she previously lacked despite decades of residency in California.
Key points
- Joni Mitchell, born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, in 1943, moved to the U.S. in 1965 after marrying folk singer Chuck Mitchell.
- She announced her new citizenship status on Instagram with the caption 'A journey that began 62 years ago,' accompanied by a photo next to an American flag.
- The naturalization process grants Mitchell voting rights in U.S. elections, which she had previously been unable to exercise.
- In 2024, Mitchell publicly expressed frustration at her inability to vote, calling herself a 'lousy immigrant' during a concert.
- Mitchell currently resides in Santa Barbara, California, and has been based in the U.S. since the late 1960s.
Background
Mitchell has been a resident of the U.S. since 1965, establishing her career in the American folk music scene. Her most recent studio album, 'Shine,' was released in 2007, followed by a period of reduced public activity due to a 2015 brain aneurysm. She returned to live performance in 2022 and has since participated in 'Joni Jam' concerts. A biopic directed by Cameron Crowe, starring Meryl Streep, is currently in production.
How outlets are covering it
The Guardian emphasizes the personal significance of the citizenship, noting Mitchell's previous complaints about her inability to vote. Rolling Stone highlights the timing, noting that Mitchell's citizenship follows Neil Young's naturalization six years ago, which was delayed by a 'good moral character' provision. ABC News focuses on the symbolic aspect, referencing her classic song 'Both Sides, Now' and her 2024 concert where she urged the audience to vote. All outlets agree on the core facts of the ceremony and her 62-year residency.
Why it matters
Mitchell's naturalization allows her to participate in U.S. elections, a right she had previously lacked despite decades of living in the country. It also resolves a recent controversy where the New York Times excluded her from a list of American songwriters due to her previous citizenship status.
What to watch
Mitchell will be able to vote in upcoming U.S. elections. The biopic about her life, directed by Cameron Crowe and starring Meryl Streep, is expected to be released in the future. The 50th anniversary of her album 'Hejira' is also approaching.
- Joni Mitchell becomes US citizen: ‘A journey that began 62 years ago’ The Guardian
- Joni Mitchell is now an American citizen, six decades after moving to the US CNN
- Joni Mitchell Becomes a U.S. Citizen: ‘A Journey That Began 62 Years Ago’ Rolling Stone
- Legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell becomes US citizen ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
- Joni Mitchell Is Now an American, After 60 Years of Living in the U.S. The New York Times
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Read on The Guardian