Canada-born music icon Joni Mitchell has officially become a United States citizen after living in the country for nearly 62 years. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter shared footage of her swearing-in ceremony on Instagram on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, marking a milestone that now enables her to vote in U.S. elections.
The 82-year-old artist posted a short video clip from a Department of Homeland Security office, showing onlookers applauding as her name was called at the ceremony, alongside a photograph of herself posing in front of an American flag and a DHS flag. In the caption, she wrote A journey that began 62 years ago,
as noted by Yahoo.
Moving From Canada to the American Folk Circuit in the 1960s
Mitchell’s path to American citizenship began in the mid-1960s. Born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, in November 1943, she grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, which she often called her hometown according to a biography on her website. Her early musical roots grew in Canadian folk clubs before intersecting with the U.S. music scene.
In 1965, she married American folk singer Chuck Mitchell and moved to Detroit, Michigan.
She released her debut studio album, Song to a Seagull, in 1968, following her start as a solo artist in 1967. Using royalties from her early work, she moved to Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles, recording her first gold-selling record, Ladies of the Canyon, and establishing herself as a distinct voice in American folk and pop music.
Recent Public Remarks on Voting and American Politics
While Mitchell has spent the vast majority of her adult life living and recording in the U.S., she remained a Canadian citizen for decades, a status that prevented her from casting ballots in American elections. That limitation became a point of public frustration for the singer.
During a headlining concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 2024—her first headlining concert in Los Angeles in 24 years—Mitchell addressed the crowd directly about her voting status as reported by Parade. During the performance, she modified the lyrics of her song Dog Eat Dog to target Donald Trump, comparing the political figure to the snakebite evangelists and racketeers and big wig financiers
referenced in the track.
“I wish I could vote… I’m a Canadian. I’m one of those lousy immigrants.”
Joni Mitchell, via The Guardian
Months later, in March 2026, Mitchell accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award at the JUNO Awards in Hamilton, Ontario. On stage in Canada, she remarked that she was glad to return home while commenting on the political climate in her adopted country.
She added at the ceremony: I’m living in the States, and you know what’s happening there.
Reactions From Fellow Artists and Fans Following the Ceremony
Friends and admirers flooded social media with congratulatory messages following the citizenship announcement. Fellow music legend Graham Nash offered public praise highlighting the timing of the naturalization process.
“Congrats, Joan! Just in time to vote!”
Graham Nash, via AOL
Fans also celebrated the milestone online, with one commenter writing that while some individuals become citizens, Others become part of a country’s soul. Joni did both.
Another supporter posted, This is so wonderful. I have tears in my eyes!!
Joni Mitchell is now officially a United States citizen after 62-year 'journey'… as Canadian native proudly waves American flag https://t.co/hYqOCCysOS
The citizenship milestone arrives as Mitchell continues her gradual return to the public eye.
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Legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell becomes US citizen https://t.co/ZtkS2VKSCU pic.twitter.com/p0Zdou2HDa
Legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell becomes US citizen https://t.co/m9K7oMgqxI
Legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell becomes US citizen https://t.co/3T3TgGql4t pic.twitter.com/xiqiHCr1lC
Joni Mitchell, the Canadian-born folk icon who has lived in the United States since the 1960s, has been sworn in as a U.S. citizen. https://t.co/cW5dDiWkD8
Joni Mitchell is now a citizen of the United States. https://t.co/rUBz7QIPEH