Iconic singer Joni Mitchell becomes US citizen after living in America for over 60 years

“A journey that began 62 years ago,” Mitchell wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of herself at a Department of Homeland Security office holding an American flag.

Mitchell was born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, and moved to the US in 1965 with her former husband, folk singer Chuck Mitchell. The couple initially settled in Detroit before eventually moving to New York City and later Los Angeles.

Mitchell spent much of her career in California, where she established herself as an influential figure in the 1960s folk music movement. Her 1971 album “Blue” featured the song “California,” in which she sings “Oh, make me feel good rock ‘n roll band. I’m your biggest fan. California, I’m coming home.”

In a 2006 interview with the Ottawa Citizen, Mitchell described her connection to both the US and Canada, saying, “LA is my workplace, BC is my heartbeat.” She returned to Canada in March to accept a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Juno Awards.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney presented her with the honor, and Mitchell praised the prime minister while appearing to criticize President Donald Trump. She said that Canadians were “so fortunate” to have Carney, adding, “I’m living in the States and you know what’s happening there.”

Mitchell has also publicly criticized Trump in the past. During a 2024 performance at the Hollywood Bowl with singer Brandi Carlile, she told the crowd, “‘F*ck Donald Trump.’ I love that song.”

In 2015, Mitchell suffered a brain aneurysm that left her unable to speak or walk during her recovery. Speaking at the Juno Awards, she said the experience changed her life.

“I had a [brain] aneurysm, which changed my life — oddly, for the better,” she said. “I went into a coma, which helped me to quit smoking. And my house filled up with the most wonderful nurses. I was on the road with men for years and years; now I live with a house full of women.”

According to a report by Page Six, director Cameron Crowe is developing a biopic about Mitchell, with Meryl Streep set to portray her.