Legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell has officially become a U.S. citizen.
“A journey that began 62 years ago,” the 82-year-old musician wrote on Instagram, sharing a photo of herself holding an American flag at an immigration office.
The Fort Macleod, Canada-born artist also posted a video from a U.S. Department of Homeland Security office, capturing the moment she was formally granted American citizenship.
Mitchell first moved to the United States with her former husband, Chuck Mitchell, and the couple spent several years living in Detroit.
The Grammy-winning musician later moved to New York City before relocating to California, where she settled in Laurel Canyon in the late 1960s. The Los Angeles enclave was then a major hub for musicians.
The Daily Mail has contacted Mitchell’s representatives for additional comment.
Legendary artist Joni Mitchell, 82, announced in a Tuesday Instagram post that she has become an American citizen
The announcement drew praise from fans and fellow musicians, including Mitchell’s former boyfriend and longtime musical collaborator Graham Nash. “Congrats, Joan! Just in time to vote!” he commented.
“Canada still loves you!!!” one user wrote, while another praised Mitchell by saying, “Some people become citizens. Others become part of a country’s soul. Joni did both.”
Mitchell, who primarily lives in Santa Barbara, California, told the Ottawa Citizen in October 2006 that she often divided her time between Los Angeles and British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast.
“L.A. is my workplace, B.C. is my heartbeat,” she told the publication.
In March, Mitchell returned to Canada for the first time in what she described as “many, many years” to accept the Juno Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award, according to People.
While accepting the honor from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mitchell made an apparent reference to U.S. President Donald Trump.
She said Canadians were “so fortunate to have” Carney in power, adding, “I’m living in the states and you know what’s happening there.”
Mitchell had said during a 2024 performance at the Hollywood Bowl that she wanted the ability to vote—something her new citizenship now allows.
Mitchell received congratulations from numerous commenters, including her former boyfriend and fellow musical icon Graham Nash
Mitchell performing onstage in San Francisco in September 1979
Mitchell accepted the Juno Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award in March in Hamilton, Ontario
“F*** Donald Trump. I wish I could vote… I’m a Canadian. I’m one of those lousy immigrants,” she said during the performance.
During the Juno Awards, Mitchell also reflected on her recovery from a brain aneurysm suffered in 2015. The medical emergency initially affected her ability to speak, walk and play guitar.
Mitchell said at the show, ‘Some years ago – 10 or 12 years ago, I forget how long ago – I had an aneurysm, which changed my life, oddly, for the better.
‘My home’s filled up with the most wonderful nurses. I was on the road with men for years and years and years, now I live with a house full of women, and I have a fantastic therapist [who] goes everywhere with me.’
She added, ‘So my life has changed for the better out of a catastrophe, like a phoenix who grows a better life.’
