Now Carlile, who released her memoir Broken Horses and the album In These Silent Days this year, is more than a fan. Having performed for Mitchell at her 75th birthday celebration in 2018 and performed the seminal 1971 album Blue in concert, she’s widely considered to be the preeminent interpreter of Mitchell’s work.
The women have also become friends, which was evidenced by Carlile’s shoutout to the Canadian chanteuse and painter following the Kennedy Center Honors performance.“I love you, Joni, you magical thing,” Carlile called out as she blew a kiss to Mitchell, who was being honored along with Bette Midler, Motown founder Berry Gordy, Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels, and opera singer Justino Díaz.