Joni Mitchell, the renowned folk singer and songwriter, has become a naturalized American citizen, securing the right to vote in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. At 82 years old, Mitchell publicly shared the news on social media, posting images of herself waving an American flag and footage from her naturalization ceremony, which took place just weeks before the midterm elections.

Mitchell, who was born and raised in Canada, has resided in the United States since 1965. She expressed excitement about participating in American elections after more than six decades living in the country. “A journey that began 62 years ago,” she wrote alongside her announcement.

Earlier this month, Mitchell noted during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles that she regretted not being able to vote, describing herself as “one of those lousy immigrants.” Her new citizenship status now allows her to engage fully in U.S. civic life, with the general election set for November 3. However, voter registration in her Santa Barbara district, where she currently lives, closes on October 19, leaving a narrow window for her to register.

Mitchell’s citizenship milestone comes amid complex political tensions between the United States and Canada. The relationship has been strained largely due to policies and rhetoric associated with President Donald Trump, including tariff impositions and suggestions that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state. These developments sparked significant backlash in Canada, including boycotts of American goods and calls from Prime Minister Mark Carney to reduce Canadian economic dependence on the U.S.

Despite these geopolitical frictions, Mitchell has maintained a deep connection to the United States, particularly California, which she famously celebrated on her 1971 album “Blue.” She established herself in Laurel Canyon during the 1960s, a neighborhood known for its artistic and countercultural community at the time. Mitchell now lives in Santa Barbara but continues to enjoy considerable admiration in Canada, where she grew up in small prairie towns. Earlier this year, she was honored with a lifetime achievement Juno Award, Canada’s premier music accolade, presented by Carney himself.

Mitchell has long expressed nuanced views on nationality. In a 2014 interview collection, she likened her identity to that of a salmon, challenging conventional labels such as country of origin or citizenship. “I feel these are artificially imposed categories,” she said.

Her recent decision to acquire American citizenship underscores an evolving personal relationship with national identity and marks a new chapter in her decades-long presence on the North American cultural landscape.