Joni Mitchell Reveals Health Details In Award Acceptance

Joni Mitchell gave an update on her health status during her speech at the Kennedy Center Honors Award in Washington, D.C.

Talking about the disease she contracted since she was a child, Mitchell expressed: “I always think that polio was a rehearsal for the rest of my life. I’ve had to come back several times from things. And this last one was a real whopper. But, you know, I’m hobbling along but I’m doing all right!”

The honor was presented by President Joe Biden after former President Donald Trump couldn’t attend the ceremony. “You sing poetry, it seems to me,” President Biden spoke toward Mitchell.

Joni considered the Kennedy Center Award as a “fantastic honor,” given that it is one of the most prestigious awards you can receive. “Enjoy yourselves, I’m gonna go back and sit down!” she ended her statement.

Apart from polio, the 78-year-old singer also suffers from a brain aneurysm, which she has endured since 2015. Speaking with The Guardian last year, Mitchell explained: “[Brain aneurysm] took away my speech and my ability to walk. And, you know, I got my speech back quickly, but the walking I’m still struggling with. But, I mean, I’m a fighter.”

The other honorees of the annual 44^th Kennedy Centers Honor Award were actress Bette Midler, baritone/bass singer Justino Diaz, Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels, and Motown label founder Berry Gordy.

The awards ceremony will be aired on December 22 on CBS.