Joni Mitchell becomes United States citizen after six decades

Singer and songwriter Joni Mitchell officially became a United States citizen on October 13, 2026. Billboard, Rolling Stone, Consequence, and Pitchfork reported that the Canadian born musician shared the announcement on social media. Mitchell posted a photo holding a small American flag alongside video footage from her ceremony, describing the event as the end of a journey that began 62 years ago. [1][2][3][4]

Consequence reported that video footage showed Mitchell having her name called inside a Department of Homeland Security office before a group of about two dozen people. Pitchfork noted that the ceremony granted her dual citizenship. Rolling Stone reported that Mitchell first arrived in the United States 64 years ago, while Billboard and Consequence stated that she has resided in Los Angeles for almost six decades. [1][2][3][4]

Mitchell emerged from the 1960s folk music scene, developing a style that incorporated elements of pop, jazz, and rock. Throughout her career, she earned eleven Grammy Awards and gained induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. [10]

Rolling Stone noted that Mitchell obtained her citizenship six years after her longtime Canadian friend Neil Young received his United States citizenship. Mitchell announced her new status directly to her fans online, making her dual citizenship official after decades of living and working in the country. [2][4]