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

Key points

• Joni Mitchell officially became a U.S. citizen, a process that began 62 years ago.
• She announced the news via Instagram, posting a photo holding an American flag and a video of her swearing-in ceremony.
• The decision grants her voting rights in the U.S., following her 2024 public criticism of President Trump.
• The move resolves a recent controversy where the New York Times excluded her from a list of American songwriters due to her previous citizenship status.
• Mitchell has been a resident of the U.S. since 1965, moving to Detroit after marrying Chuck Mitchell.

Background

Joni Mitchell has been a resident of the U.S. since 1965, moving to Detroit after marrying Chuck Mitchell. She has maintained close Canadian ties and set up residency in British Columbia around the time 'Blue' was released in 1971. In 2024, she publicly criticized President Trump, stating 'I wish I could vote...I'm a Canadian. I'm one of those lousy immigrants.' The New York Times excluded her from a list of American songwriters earlier this year due to her previous citizenship status. Mitchell suffered a brain aneurysm in 2015 and was considered retired from public performance for years after that, but made a remarkable, if gradual, recovery that led to her performing at the Newport Folk Festival in 2022 as part of an all-star 'Joni Jam' organized by Brandi Carlile.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone emphasizes the personal journey and the emotional weight of the decision, noting Mitchell's caption 'A journey that began 62 years ago.' Variety focuses on the political implications, highlighting her 2024 criticism of Trump and the potential motivation for her decision. Pitchfork simply confirms the news without additional context. All three outlets agree on the basic facts of the citizenship announcement and the Instagram post.

Why it matters

Joni Mitchell's decision to become a U.S. citizen is significant for several reasons. First, it grants her voting rights in the U.S., which she has previously expressed a desire to have. Second, it resolves a recent controversy where the New York Times excluded her from a list of American songwriters due to her previous citizenship status. Third, it highlights the complex relationship between artists and their adopted countries, particularly in the context of political polarization. Finally, it underscores the importance of citizenship for artists who have lived and worked in a country for decades but have not officially become citizens.

What to watch

Joni Mitchell will now be able to vote in U.S. elections. She may also be more likely to participate in public events and performances in the U.S. The New York Times may update its list of American songwriters to include her. There may be further discussion about the political implications of her decision, particularly in the context of the upcoming midterm elections.