The music world is lowkey buzzing today after Joni Mitchell announced she’s officially become a U.S. citizen. The 82-year-old Canadian-born icon dropped the news on Instagram with a snap next to the American flag, captioning it, "A journey that began 62 years ago."
How we got here
Mitchell first moved to the U.S. in the mid-1960s after marrying American folk singer Chuck Mitchell. While that marriage didn't last, her career definitely did. She eventually settled in California’s Laurel Canyon, where she dropped her gold-selling record Ladies of the Canyon. She’s been living in Santa Barbara for quite some time now, but she’s technically been an immigrant this whole time.
Back in 2024, during a live show, Mitchell made it clear she was frustrated about not being able to participate in the democratic process. She famously shouted, "I wish I could vote... I’m a Canadian. I’m one of those lousy immigrants," before referencing the track "Fuck Donald Trump" by YG. Real talk, she’s finally secured her voting rights, which is a major W.
After stepping out of the spotlight following a 2015 brain aneurysm, Mitchell has made a total comeback with her "Joni Jam" shows. Plus, the plot thickens on the biopic front: director Cameron Crowe is working on her life story, and record exec Clive Davis recently confirmed that Meryl Streep is set to play her.
Why it matters
For an artist who has been a staple of American culture since the 60s, getting her citizenship is a huge milestone that finally clears the path for her to have a say in U.S. elections.
