Legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell has officially become a United States citizen, marking a major milestone more than six decades after she first began the process.
The 82-year-old musician announced the news on Tuesday, October 13, by sharing a photograph on Instagram in which she smiled while waving a small American flag.
“A journey that began 62 years ago,” Mitchell wrote alongside the picture.
She also shared a short video capturing the moment her name was called during the citizenship proceedings, marking the completion of her long journey to American citizenship.
Joni Mitchell’s Journey From Canada to the United States
Born in Canada, Mitchell first travelled to the United States in 1965 with her former husband, Chuck Mitchell.
The couple lived in Detroit for several years before Mitchell briefly moved to New York City. By the late 1960s, she had settled in Southern California, where she continues to live.
Despite spending most of her adult life in the United States, Mitchell has maintained a strong connection to her Canadian roots.
In a 2006 interview with the Ottawa Observer, she described Los Angeles as her “workplace” and British Columbia as her “heartbeat”, reflecting the different roles the two places have played in her life.
Her new citizenship marks the latest chapter in a personal journey that began when she first crossed the border more than 60 years ago.
Singer Returns to Canada for Lifetime Achievement Award
Mitchell returned to Canada in March 2026 to attend the Juno Awards, where she received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The visit marked her first trip to the country in “many, many years”, according to reports.
The recognition celebrated her lasting contribution to music and her influence across generations of musicians and listeners.
Although Mitchell has built much of her life and career in the United States, her Canadian background remains an important part of her identity.
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Joni Mitchell’s Enduring Musical Legacy
Mitchell is widely regarded as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of her generation. Her catalogue includes acclaimed songs such as Big Yellow Taxi, alongside a body of work known for its lyrical depth, distinctive musical style and willingness to explore different genres.
Over the course of her career, she has received multiple Grammy Awards and earned recognition for her influence on popular music.
She also attracted attention during the 2026 Grammy Awards, when a moment from her acceptance speech went viral on social media.
Her artistic achievements have helped establish her as a major figure in contemporary music, with her songs continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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A New Chapter After Six Decades
Mitchell’s announcement adds a personal milestone to a career spanning several decades.
Her journey from Canada to the United States began in 1965, long before she became one of the world’s most celebrated singer-songwriters.
Now officially a US citizen, Mitchell continues to maintain a connection to the country where she was born while marking a new chapter in the place she has called home for much of her life.
