Joni Mitchell has become a U.S. citizen at 82 after spending more than six decades living and working in America. She announced her new status on Oct. 13.
“I became a citizen so I could vote,” she said in an Oct. 15 statement published by PEOPLE.
She said she had retained her Canadian citizenship and would never surrender it. Invoking fellow Canadian-born musician Neil Young, Mitchell described herself as “a proud Canerican.”
Graham Nash was among those celebrating her announcement. “Congrats, Joan! Just in time to vote!” he wrote in the Instagram comments, as Entertainment Weekly reported.
Her Citizenship Video Captured Applause as Her Name Was Called
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Mitchell shared photographs and footage with the caption, “A journey that began 62 years ago.” Wearing a red beret and a blue top, she held a small American flag while standing between a U.S. flag and a Department of Homeland Security flag.
The accompanying clip records an announcement of her name and Canada as her country of origin. Applause follows as she rises from her seat, according to ABC News.
Mitchell moved to Detroit in 1965 with her then-husband, folk singer Chuck Mitchell. She later lived in New York before settling in Southern California in the late 1960s, according to NBC News. Her years in Los Angeles included becoming part of the Laurel Canyon music community.
She Had Told Hollywood Bowl Fans, “I Wish I Could Vote”
At her Oct. 19, 2024, Hollywood Bowl concert, Mitchell urged the audience to participate in the approaching presidential election. “I wish I could vote,” she said, explaining that she was Canadian, according to NME.
The remarks followed “Dog Eat Dog,” her song criticizing corruption and the influence of money. Mitchell also voiced her opposition to Donald Trump during the concert, which brought together collaborators including Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox and Marcus Mumford.
The next U.S. general election is Nov. 3. In California, where Mitchell lives, the deadline to register online is Oct. 19. Eligible residents who miss that deadline can use same-day registration at a county elections office or voting location through Election Day, according to the California secretary of state.
Canada Honored Both Her Music and Her Painting This Year
Mitchell returned to Hamilton, Ontario, for the March 29 Juno Awards, where she received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Sarah McLachlan opened a tribute with “A Case of You,” then Allison Russell joined her for “Both Sides Now.” Mitchell came onstage to sing “Big Yellow Taxi,” with other musicians joining the performance, Rolling Stone reported.
Her former art school recognized her later in the year. In May, Alberta University of the Arts announced an honorary Master of Fine Arts for Mitchell, who enrolled at its predecessor, Alberta College of Art, in 1963.
She spent a year studying in Calgary while also performing in local folk venues, then moved to Toronto to pursue music. The university noted that she continued painting throughout her recording career, supplying paintings and self-portraits for 18 album covers.
Her New Book Presents 23 Paintings as a Visual Protest Song
On Oct. 15, Julien’s Publishing announced NEWS, a collection of 23 paintings that Mitchell conceived and designed herself. Its latest announcement sets a Nov. 4 release and describes work combining imagery, slogans and song lyrics to address politics and the nonstop news cycle.
Mitchell called the collection “a song not for the ears but for the eyes.” She said she felt compelled to express her concerns about the current climate and regarded speaking up as part of an artist’s responsibility.
The hardcover’s standard edition has a $65 list price, according to distributor Simon & Schuster. Mitchell’s official store also lists a limited edition of 500 signed, hand-numbered copies, with shipping scheduled for Nov. 4.
The first 10 numbered copies are being auctioned for charity, with proceeds benefiting the ACLU, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Save the Children and the ASPCA. Ahead of publication, the paintings will be on public display at L.A. Louver in Venice, California, on Oct. 29 and 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.