TORONTO – Joni Mitchell, the iconic folk singer and songwriter, has recently become an American citizen but remains firmly rooted in her Canadian identity. The Alberta-born artist, who has lived in the United States for over six decades, explained that her primary motivation for acquiring U.S. citizenship was to gain the right to vote. Mitchell, who insists she will not relinquish her Canadian passport, proudly declared, “I became a citizen so I could vote. I didn’t give up my Canadian citizenship, and I never will.”
At 82 years old, Mitchell emphasized her dual allegiance, likening herself to fellow Canadian musician Neil Young, whom she described as a “proud Canerican.” On her Instagram story, she clarified her situation after her recent announcement concerning her naturalization raised questions about her Canadian status. The folk legend revealed her citizenship news through a heartfelt post featuring a photo and video from her citizenship ceremony where she was seen smiling while holding an American flag amidst U.S. and Department of Homeland Security flags. Her Instagram caption read, “A journey that began 62 years ago.”
By obtaining American citizenship, Mitchell joins Neil Young, who became a U.S. citizen in 2020 after spending many years in the country. The two musicians share a similar experience as they balance their identities in both Canada and the United States.
In addition to her citizenship announcement, Mitchell unveiled her upcoming book titled “NEWS,” which showcases 23 of her original paintings. The book aims to address the overwhelming nature of contemporary news cycles and expresses her perspective on the current state of the world. “In the current climate, I felt a need to express my concern,” Mitchell stated. “It is an artist’s duty to speak up.” The book is scheduled for release on November 4, 2023.
Born Roberta Joan Anderson on November 7, 1943, in Fort Macleod, Alberta, and raised in Saskatoon, Mitchell’s journey as a musician began when she moved to Toronto in 1964. She later relocated to Detroit with her then-husband, Chuck Mitchell, and eventually settled in New York City, where she released her debut album “Song to a Seagull” in 1968. Her second album, “Clouds,” was a breakthrough, solidifying her status as a major figure in the music industry. Currently, she resides in Santa Barbara, California, while also maintaining a second home on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia.
Mitchell has openly expressed her frustration regarding her inability to participate in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. During an October 2024 concert at the Hollywood Bowl, she made headlines by delivering a candid and profane rebuke aimed at Donald Trump. In front of the audience, she encouraged concertgoers to cast their votes, declaring, “This is an important one. I wish I could vote – I’m Canadian. I’m one of those lousy immigrants.”
Joni Mitchell’s recent citizenship decision illuminates her deep connection to both Canada and the United States, while her forthcoming book promises to reflect her artistic engagement with contemporary societal issues.
