Entertainment · October 13, 2026
Canadian-born Joni Mitchell sworn in as U.S. citizen after decades in America
At age 82, legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell has officially become a United States citizen. Mitchell, who moved to the U.S. in 1965, shared the news via Instagram with footage from her naturalization ceremony and photos holding an American flag, describing the event as the culmination of a 'journey that began 62 years ago.' Though she has long been synonymous with the California music scene, she had recently expressed frustration during live performances that she was unable to vote in U.S. elections. The move comes as Mitchell continues a career resurgence following a 2015 brain aneurysm, including recent live performances and an upcoming biopic.
Read the original coverage
- Washington TimesMainstream
Canadian-born Joni Mitchell sworn in as U.S. citizen after decades in America
Read at Washington Times ↗ - Fox NewsMainstream
Canadian singer Joni Mitchell officially becomes American citizen after 62-year journey
Read at Fox News ↗ - The GuardianMainstream
Joni Mitchell becomes US citizen: ‘A journey that began 62 years ago’
Read at The Guardian ↗ Joni Mitchell Is Now an American, After 60 Years of Living in the U.S.
Read at The New York Times ↗- NBC NewsMainstream
Joni Mitchell becomes an American citizen after more than 60 years
Read at NBC News ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Joni Mitchell was born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada.
- Mitchell moved to the U.S. in 1965 following her marriage to Chuck Mitchell.
- She announced her U.S. citizenship at age 82 via an Instagram post featuring a ceremony video and American flag.
- She has lived in Detroit, New York City, and various locations in California including Laurel Canyon and Santa Barbara.
- Mitchell previously expressed public frustration at her inability to vote in U.S. elections.
- She recently criticized Donald Trump during a 2024 performance at the Hollywood Bowl.
Reported by only some outlets
- Mitchell will retain her Canadian citizenship through dual citizenship.
- A biopic directed by Cameron Crowe is in development, with Meryl Streep reportedly cast as Mitchell.
- Mitchell wore an 'ICE OUT' pin at the 2026 Grammy Awards in protest of U.S. immigration enforcement.
- A White House spokesperson allegedly responded 'Who the hell is Joni Mitchell?' to her previous criticisms of the U.S. political climate.
- Mitchell's birth name is Roberta Joan Anderson.
Confirmed
- Joni Mitchell was born in Alberta, Canada.
- She moved to the U.S. in 1965.
- She became a U.S. citizen at age 82 in October 2026/late 2024 (conflicting year in text, current event in context).
- She announced the news on Instagram with a flag photo and ceremony video.
Reported
- Meryl Streep will play Joni Mitchell in an upcoming biopic. (The Guardian)
- Mitchell will retain dual citizenship. (Fox News)
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