Joni Mitchell becomes U.S. citizen after 62‑year journey

Canadian‑born singer‑songwriter Joni Mitchell was granted United States citizenship on Oct. 14, 2026, at a naturalization ceremony held by the Department of Homeland Security.

The milestone ends a 62‑year journey that began when the folk legend first crossed the border in 1965 to pursue her music career, and it now gives her the right to vote in American elections.

Mitchell posted a photo of herself holding an American flag and a short video of the ceremony to Instagram, captioning the post, “A journey that began 62 years ago.”

“A journey that began 62 years ago.”

Fellow musician and former boyfriend Graham Nash replied, “Congrats, Joan! Just in time to vote!” highlighting the political significance of the new status.

Born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, Mitchell moved to Detroit with her first husband, folk singer Chuck Mitchell, in 1965. After their marriage ended, she relocated to New York City in 1967, then to Los Angeles in 1968, where the Laurel Canyon scene helped shape her next creative chapter.

In March 2026 she returned to Canada to accept a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Juno Awards, using the platform to comment on American politics and praise Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, while also alluding to former President Donald Trump.

The naturalization news follows a 2015 brain aneurysm that profoundly altered Mitchell’s outlook. She has spoken about the experience as a catalyst for positive change in her life and work.

Director Cameron Crowe is currently developing a biopic about Mitchell, with Meryl Streep slated to portray the singer in her later years, adding further cultural relevance to her renewed American identity.

With her new citizenship, Mitchell is poised to engage more fully in civic life, including participating in upcoming elections, while continuing to influence music and culture from her home in Santa Barbara.