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She can vote now!
Published October 15, 2026, 7:00am ET
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Joni Mitchell is officially an American citizen, a major milestone in more than six decades.
On Tuesday, October 13, the 82-year-old Canadian-born singer-songwriter celebrated the occasion on Instagram, sharing a photo of herself with an American flag along with footage from her naturalization ceremony.
“A journey that started 62 years ago,” Michelle captioned the post, reflecting on her decision to move to the United States in 1965.
The milestone is especially meaningful for the renowned musician, who previously spoke about his frustration at being unable to vote in US elections despite living in the country for decades.
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Michelle celebrated a much-awaited milestone in her life.
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Michelle celebrates citizenship after six decades in America
The singer has spent six decades in America.
The “Big Yellow Taxi” singer shared a heartwarming photo of herself smiling while holding an American flag, as well as a video that captured the moment her name was called during the naturalization ceremony. When Michelle stood up to officially receive her American citizenship, the room erupted in applause.
Born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada, and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Mitchell first moved to the United States in 1965 with her then-husband, a folk musician. chuck mitchell.
Although their marriage only lasted two years, the singer remained in the US, where she established herself as one of the most influential voices in the country’s folk music scene.
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From Detroit to Laurel Canyon, the singer built her American career
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Joni Mitchell
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Mitchell’s time in California brought notable achievements in his music career.
Johnny initially settled in Detroit before relocating to New York City in 1967 and Los Angeles the following year. She soon became a defining figure in the Laurel Canyon folk music scene, a creative center where some of the most influential musicians of the era gathered and collaborated in the late 1960s. Guardian.
The time spent in California was instrumental in shaping his renowned music career, which yielded timeless hits such as “California” and “Both Sides, Now”.
Johnny eventually made Santa Barbara his home, maintaining a close connection to the state that had become an important part of both his personal journey and musical legacy.
Graham Nash reacts to the milestone
The music legend was congratulated by his ex-boyfriend.
Famous English-American singer-songwriters Graham NashJo, who previously dated Johnny, was among those celebrating his milestone. He commented On his Instagram announcement, “Now is the time to vote!”
His comments come after the “Coyote” singer previously expressed his disappointment at being unable to participate in the US elections.
During a 2024 concert at the Hollywood Bowl, Johnny made his political views clear, telling the audience, “F— Donald Trump. Everybody get out and vote. It’s an important one. I wish I could vote – I’m Canadian. I’m one of those lousy immigrants,” board.
Now that Joni has officially become a US citizen, she is eligible to vote in US elections, provided she meets the applicable registration requirements. However, the music icon has not publicly revealed what motivated him to acquire citizenship after more than six decades in the country.