After 6 decades.. Canadian singer Joni Mitchell becomes an American citizen

Legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell has become a US citizen, more than 60 years after leaving her native Canada.

Mitchell, who will turn 83 next November, posted a picture of herself holding the American flag during the naturalization ceremony on Tuesday, and accompanied it with a comment in which she said: “A journey that began 62 years ago.”

Mitchell was born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, in 1943, and will retain her Canadian passport, as both countries allow their citizens to hold dual citizenship.

The distinguished artist, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards in 2002, is one of the most famous artists thanks to her hits from the 1970s, such as “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Blue,” “Amelia,” and “Woodstock.”

Mitchell studied commercial arts in Alberta before moving to Toronto in 1964, where she performed at folk music clubs and local coffee shops. During a brief marriage to singer Chuck Mitchell, she lived in Detroit before eventually moving to New York City, where she produced her eponymous album, also known as "Song to a Seagull."

Mitchell, whose career includes 19 studio albums and 6 live albums, later moved to Los Angeles, where she settled in Laurel Canyon, before moving to Bel Air.

It is not clear why Mitchell chose this particular time - during which relations between Canada and the United States are witnessing significant tension - to obtain American citizenship. Widespread media reports reported that she harshly criticized President Donald Trump while presenting an artistic performance at the Hollywood Bowl ahead of the last presidential elections in 2024.

According to what was reported in the media at the time, the singer - known for her protest songs - urged her fans to participate in voting, saying: “Everyone should go out and vote; this is an important election. I wish I could vote, but I am Canadian; I am one of those (bad) immigrants.”

Mitchell has suffered a series of health problems in recent years, including a stroke and brain aneurysm in 2015.

These health crises did not prevent her from performing at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she won the Best Folk Album award for her 2023 album, “Joni Mitchell at Newport.” This year, she also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Juno Awards, which is the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Awards.

Reports indicate that work is currently underway to produce a biographical film about Mitchell's life whose title has not yet been determined, as the IMDb website lists Cameron Crowe as director, and Meryl Streep in the title role.