Folk music icon Joni Mitchell officially became a United States citizen on Tuesday, concluding a process she described as “a journey that began 62 years ago.” At 82 years old, Mitchell shared the milestone on social media, posting a photograph of herself holding a small American flag in front of a large U.S. flag. Accompanying the image was a video of the citizenship ceremony, where applause and cheers followed the administrator’s formal announcement, “Joni Mitchell, Canada.”

Mitchell, renowned for classic songs such as “Big Yellow Taxi,” “River,” “Both Sides, Now,” and “California,” originally arrived in the United States in the summer of 1965. She traveled with her then-husband, musician Chuck Mitchell. After the couple divorced, she relocated to New York City in 1967 and subsequently settled in California later that same year. During this period, she became a significant figure within the Laurel Canyon folk music community, which was known for its creative ferment and influential artists.

The naturalization marks a new chapter for Mitchell, who has maintained her Canadian citizenship since her early career. Her move toward U.S. citizenship reflects a long-standing connection to the country where much of her musical legacy was forged.