Linda Ronstadt awarded a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona

The University of Arizona honored Tucson born Linda Ronstadt with an Honorary Ph.D. She attended the University but left to pursue her goal as a performer. Longtime friend and the head of the University of Arizona's Digital Futures Bilingual Studio, Nancy Montoya produced this video showing the depth of Linda's talents. She obliterated the Box that would not define her. She no longer performs, Parkinson's has robbed her of her ability to sing, but not her voice.

[@lelandsklar6363]

Love Linda. Have worked with her for so many years and she is the consummate pro at everything she does. A beautiful soul and powerful woman and human being. There are no others like her. So happy for this award. 👍🏼❤️

[@soulsurfseeker]

I'll take that as the gospel truth coming from you maestro

[@campbellpaul]

Dr. Ronstadt is a national treasure (and you are up there too, Leland!)

[@lnl3237]

You know personally, Mr. Sklar, what we, fans, have known intuitively. So grateful to Ms. Ronstadt, not only for the joy her music has given to me, but for introducing me to songwriters, musicians and singers I would never have known...like you. She may not need or seek these accolades but we revel in seeing her receive them.

[@jimrebr]

You sir are part of what made Linda so great, she always surrounded herself with the best musicians, including you, Leland Sklar!!!❤❤

[@godfreyzilla8608]

@@jimrebr : Amen to that, my friend. I have always considered musicians like Leland Sklar to be the backbone of many a "star". Linda has always said she has great friends and I think this proves it.

[@topherv4229]

So proud to say that Linda is a very distant cousin through her mother's side. Amazingly talented woman and for me, one of THE premier voices of the 1970's and 1980's. Thank you Linda for sharing your gifts with the world.

[@mikelesley2803]

Linda Ronstadt is one of the greatest singers of all time and truly amusic icon.

[@judd442009]

"Linda, you have made an indelible mark"-- no truer words have ever been spoken about this wonderful human being. Congratulations, Dr. Ronstadt!

[@the_resourceful]

Set of pipes sent from heaven.

[@biggermal1]

Yes, Linda sings like an Angel.

[@jimchance6059]

Her voice brought me to so much music. Her vibe was honest, clear and unadorned. A rare combination of power and tenderness.

[@lnl3237]

Such a succinct and accurate description.

[@montymetcalfe1982]

She’s a unicorn. Grew up with her music in the 1970’s and it still resonates. I feel sorry for those who haven’t been exposed to her music.

[@danc3693]

Recently, I walked into my favorite coffee shop with a Linda Ronstadt T-shirt with just her image, no name. The maybe 21 year old barista I speak with regularly asked who that is on my shirt. When I told him it was Linda Ronstadt, he asked who is she? I felt rather sad. I told him she was pre-Madonna, a superstar who sold over 100 million albums when that was a thing - and a better singer for sure. By the way, I liked Madonna in the day - we’re the same age - but for different reasons, as she’s a very different singer/entertainer. Vocally, LR was a technically great vocalist who sang with great emotion and a wonderful interpreter of lyrics.

[@RaymondHng]

@@danc3693 Re-introducing Ronstadt, one t-shirt at a time.

[@deadandburied7626]

Very well deserved. Dr. Linda Maria Ronstadt. Ole!

[@jwon5614]

I have more love and respect for her than probably any other singer in the world❤😂💕💞🤗🌸💐😊

[@maviccabreraballeza6100]

Congratulations, Dr. Linda Ronstadt! A much-deserved award for this trailblazer who uses her voice to speak of what is true, right, and just!!!!

[@RaymondHng]

It's a doctorate degree, not just an award.

[@mjp96]

Truly the most beautiful voice of my lifetime

[@monoped8437]

and, face

[@JessicaTPeterson]

Congratulations to the University of Arizona for now having Dr. Linda Ronstadt as an honorary alum!

[@campbellpaul]

Congratulations, Dr. Linda Ronstadt!

[@marianlowry8201]

I am so happy for Dr. Ronstadt. She has impacted our society so much and in so many ways. Congrats in all languages possible! ❤love her and her music. I never tire of hearing her sing and talk.

[@evanlouis3336]

Most sing what they think they can. Ronstadt sang what she wanted, what she felt. Unadorned honest pipes. A noble heart as well. Congrats!

[@dolograndi]

I AM FROM ARUBA....EVEN THOUGH AM I NOT OF AMERICAN CITIZEN. I AM JUST PROUD OF LINDA RONSTADT. SHE IS WONDERFULL. HOPE ONE DAY SHE COULD SING AGAIN. THERE ARE SO MANY ALTERNATIVES NOWADAYS FOR HEALTH PROBLEMS, THAT I THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE A SOLUTION FOR ANY TYPES OF WRONG DOING IN HEALTH ISSUES. GOD BLESS LINDA. LOVE U...

[@SpuzzyLargo]

The second rock concert I ever attended, after Donovan (1971 at the Seattle Center) was Linda opening for Neil Young, March 1973 at the same venue. (With David Crosby as the surprise guest.) I have loved her ever since. What a talent and beauty with a great spirit/heart.

[@peter0xi]

Omg, this just appeared on my YT front page. Yes, of course I clicked on it immediately. Congrats Lind.... er, Dr Ronstadt!

[@pienpakvis6118]

That smile, was just beautiful. She certainly deserved that doctorate. She is a woman of talent, compassion, and intelligence

[@patriciamartinez-lx8dy]

Congratulations, Linda Ronstadt. Well deserved. You're a legend, activist, and a gifted music artist. You have definitely made your mark in this world. 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️

[@roxannehale1386]

Beautiful. Well deserved. Love you Linda!

[@Humberto_Velazquez]

It's an honor to have graduated from UofA and knowing that Linda Ronstadt has been recognized with a document similar to the one I received.

[@anibalfernando3027]

In 1976..in Lisbon i heard Linda for the first time in the house of a an American guy in one of his party and he played the album..Hasten down the Wind..I went to the book shop and asked if they heard of Linda Ronstadt and they told yes it's an American Country singer..but they did not have her LPs..so that friend of mine made me a Tape with that album..my favourite song in it is ,,Li siento mi vida,, later on I bought the CD in the 90s ..God Bless you Linda..you brought so many happy moments in my life.

[@caroljshepherd3848]

Oh i'm sooo pleased for her. I feel like a proud mother. I'm actually in tears right now. This lady deserves every good thing. She's a remarkable human being . . . And that's not even taking her singing ability into account. ❤

[@cinnamon--girl]

An absolutely beautiful person with an angel's voice. Congratulations, Linda. Thank you for always being there musically for me.

[@geralddworzak1313]

Her Royal Highness! The Queen of Song, Sweet Looks, & Beautiful Personality. Dr. Linda Ronstadt.❤👸👩‍🎓💝👑🎓

[@DavidS-dd7rw]

Linda, congratulations! I wish you all the best!

[@freddyhoyt1849]

9 years ago I was in San Francisco walking in her neighborhood and I saw her walking with 3 other people and she stopped to talk to me she was so nice and sweet she is a beautiful lady and she is the greatest singer ever

[@loose-arrow-garage]

I often tear up, as I am now, just from listening to her sing songs from Canciones de mi Padre. Her singing touches me deeply!

[@blancabulgrin5560]

She's phenomenal,l love this lady ,the greatest voice I ever heard just wonderful person as well love u Linda!!! You make us proud.

[@benjaminenriquez1102]

Great accomplishment by this absolute versatile voice of an angel!! So beautiful even Dolly Parton said it best: she was the Beyoncé of her era!! She deserves this honor on her turf: a Ph.D. THE complete angel of rock: Dr. Linda Ronstadt ❤️

[@jimrebr]

I have been so blessed to see Linda Rondstadt so many times, she is perfection. She is a huge part of the soundtrack of my life and so many others!! Muey Belinda Linda❤❤❤❤

[@mikekim1219]

From every account I've read from other artists, she is an angel.

[@frankgallego381]

VIVÍ, LINDA! FELICIDADES, CORAZÓN! ERES UN GRAN ORGULLO NO SÓLO PARA TODOS NOSOTROS LATINOS, PERO PARA TODO EL MUNDO. QUE GRAN MARAVILLA VERTE EN CONCIERTO AQUÍ EN EL AUDITORIO DE LA UNIVERSIDAD DE ARIZONA CUANDO PRESENTASTE TUS “CANCIONES DE MI PADRE” CON PERSONAS DE TU FAMILIA. TU VOZ, TU TALENTO, TODOS TUS ÉXITOS SON Y SERÁN INOLVIDABLES. UN MILLÓN DE GRACIAS POR SER TAN MAGNÍFICA, TAN GRACIOSA, TAN HUMILDE. QUE DIOS TE BENDIGA SIEMPRE.

[@trenier23]

How cool for Linda to be honored this way, she never stopped learning and she instructed so many about life.

[@chammyaewin348]

Well-deserved and huge congrats to Linda!

[@merlin8537]

Brilliant,wonderful woman❤

[@patriciaschuster1371]

Beauty, talent and brains. Can't help but love her!

[@WmHildy]

We always liked her, seen her in concert several times back in the day. She still looks great! Congratulations!

[@sharonramone9178]

Linda has provided the soundtrack to my life! Truly the voice of a generation,and then some. Congratulations to a powerful singer and an amazing woman!

[@chriskozak4966]

Congratulations Dr Linda Ronstadt, you are a legend. Love your voice & your music ❤

[@bettyhudson1703]

Surprised this video is just now coming out I hope there is a longer version of it out there somewhere...There is SOOO much Ronstadt stuff "interviews to include tv, radio, print articles, 2 personal books, 2 movies, videos ect ect ect" out there that one day maybe the newer Generations of aspiring singers and song writers will pick up and learn from one of THE if not THEE Greatest of all singers ever to cross the stage and stand up in front of the mic and belt it out in front of the 1000's... It takes guts to get on the stage and sing in front of a live audience because there are good nights and bad nights...it's she/he who gets back up there after the bad nights and does it again that shows who you are...Ronstadt was the consument professional at all levels...I see that "Leland Sklar" has posted on this thread...he would know what Ronstadt did and who she was...first hand...he was in her circle of influence for years. It breaks my heart and all her fans hearts and most probably scares the bejesus out of the current top tier singers of what a nasty medical condition can do to anybody...if it can happen to Ronstadt it can happen to you too...use and take care of your gift while you can because one day it might be taken away from you...Anybody that has seen Ronstadt Live or is listening to her music or watching her in her old videos dating from the late 1960s until her last stage appearance in 2009 cannot really believe that she cannot sing a note today...sooo sad Congratulations to "Doctor Ronstadt" a well deserved award and she looked so happy receiving it...prayers for Linda...amen

[@HoratioTalbot771_a]

Hooray for Linda . She'll always be a legend .Congrats honey .

[@dar5108]

Linda Ronstadt is my favorite singer ever. Her talent has no boundaries. We have so much to thank her for. Love you Linda. ❤

[@JoseLopez-ys2oz]

Thank you for that. Linda has earned it, so many times over. She is the greatest!

[@ginaorsini3312]

She is so smart, love you Dr Ronstadt!

[@artmv1149]

What a tremendous and well deserved honor.

[@axiomist4488]

Wow ! I am awed at her incredible ability. I always knew she was a hell of a singer with a strong voice and range, but I didn't know she was as able as she sounds in "Canciones" and even doing a bit of operatic vocals in the theatre. I am super impressed and I am so glad she has received this honor. Hats off to you, Dr.Ronstadt !!!

[@normabrien8331]

Wow. Such magnificent body of work. In my eyes she deserves the moon.

[@suziemills2201]

Wow. The best voice ever. Love her 😀❤️😅

[@dem7615]

I bought the Spanish cd.. don't understand a word.. her voice is enough❤

[@RicardoRoams]

A richly deserved award. I'm sure Ms. Ronstadt is embarrassed to be referred to as Doctor. But honored. She is so humble. She was simply the best at her art and contributed an enormous gift to the music world. I only lived in Tucson for a couple of years, but I fell in love with the Sonoran Desert. It is one of the most unique environments in the world.

[@robgervais2998]

congrats Linda, and thankyou for everything, thanks

[@JetaimeElizabethmorganHi-qh6vw]

Perhaps we all could use some inspiration today ! Congratulations Dr. Linda Ronstadt you are Beautiful thru & thru

[@celiarodriguez2999]

Linda your Canciones de mi padre is just so rewarding... Con tanto sentimiento y una voz vibrante y. potente... Just wonderful.May God bless you. Desde Puerto Rico marzo 2024.

[@jgeur]

congratulations Perfesser! thank you for speaking out against injustice.

[@bettyk8105]

A treasure to preserve, with an honor well deserved. Dr. Linda Rondstat, you are a beautiful, honest and talented, living legend. Thank you for all the wonderful and everlasting music!

[@garybaldwin1061]

I believe she was a high school drop out.

[@ginaorsini3312]

No she only attended one semester in college. Then moved to Cali

[@brianward7724]

Bravo, Linda! I have that What's New LP; I love it. Thank you so much for your music!

[@charlesrubio7650]

5 comments! That’s it! Come on people… if you don’t know Spanish, Linda in Spanish means Beautiful Linda was beautiful in every way. Beautiful voice, beautiful personality, beautiful soul. She was gifted with one stunningly beautiful voice and she was creative and brave enough against the powers to be in the recording industry to produced such beautiful singing in so many different genres and styles. I don’t have too many accomplishments to speak of in my life. But one I’m very proud of and grateful for is discovering Linda way back when. Her singing, her interpretation of the innumerable songs she has recorded and performed have given me do much joy. And as she expanded into these various genres jaw dropping wonder from my side. I really wish i one day I could meet her. I would give dozens and dozens of roses and a big big hug! if anybody reads this and gets to the end here and if you haven’t heard her perform “Way Down Low”. Check it out her live performance, it’s on youtube. If you do and never heard performing this song, get ready to be blown away. Guaranteed!

[@tracyspaulding6705]

Linda is beautiful in every way! In my opinion, the greatest singer of our time. No one else has performed in as many musical genres and mastered them completely as Linda has.

[@lnl3237]

Enjoyed every word of your comment. The Linda Ronstadt "rabbit hole" is as deep and crowded as they come. I'm now exploring all the recordings she sung back-up on. Think there are around 160 of them!

[@joycegonzalez4704]

Happy for her...how many times we saw her in the Bay Area ❤

[@johngreco3344]

Congrats Dr. "Linda" Ronstadt!! We ALL love you!! (if you don’t know Spanish, Linda in Spanish means Beautiful)

[@user-JenF]

Linda Ronstadt truly deserves this degree!!! She is super intelligent and has added so much richness to the music and theatrical world. She has such a beautiful and powerful voice and her songs and videos will endure as long as there is life on Earth and will exist into the afterlife. Congratulations Dr. Ronstadt!!!!!!

[@juancatfish1]

The cheerleaders and mascot were a bit much but congratulations to Linda. Beautiful person and a great entertainer. Good job University of Arizona

[@digitalfuturesbilingualstudio]

Ya I agree - but the team really wanted to do it for Linda and so did Wilbur - In the end - I have to pick my battles. This was a small one to lose. Thanks for writing - Nancy

[@ginaorsini3312]

I THOUGHT IT WAS COOL!

[@juancatfish1]

@@ginaorsini3312 Linda didn't

[@judysanchez6329]

My sister attended one of Her concerts in Oceanside California!! The place was packed with people . We had the change to talk to her ? She was polite. Nice I noticed she had those big black eyes ❤

[@voa23]

Mi hermosa y bella Linda gracias por todas las canciones de tu padre!

[@gironez]

Llore viendola recibir este honor. Linda tan inteligente y profesional, que Dios te cuide y te siga bendiciendo, arriba Mejico, arriba USA, besos de una Colombiana que te admira muchisimo.

[@louisevad6091]

A degree for humanity. More of this and in the world please.

[@davidtanguma6247]

She's awesome!!

[@mdiaz4669]

What an amazing singer, but even more amazing human being!

[@timgormady3610]

God bless you Dr. Ronstadt

[@MegaAtomium]

I LOVE HER!

[@bruceringrose7539]

Totally deserved!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@anitachron3038]

Viva Linda!

[@tinahatfield8077]

Linda Ronstadt IS A LEGEND IN HER OWN TIME.

[@cindyschneider4728]

The lady was the best song curater ever!

[@joseegonzalez4894]

We’ll deserved Linda!!! You’re the best and we love you!

[@christinascibetta1043]

Great! She is my idol and i too am a grad of U of A!!!❤

[@tracyspaulding6705]

¡Enhorabuena, Linda!

[@mikedineen7857]

Congratulations Linda. This made me weep

[@stephenj.schneider5185]

Congratulations, Dr. Ronstadt!

[@marymorgan1498]

So well deserved

[@michaelsimpson6937]

Lord, what a woman!!!!!!

[@conniedziepak6760]

Congratulations for being honored.

[@carlrutledge6536]

Love you Linda!!!!!

[@daniellaplume3840]

That was lovely

[@GilQaneida]

BTW that was Paul Williams not Elton John photographed with Ronstadt and Ringo at the Grammy awards. Great songwriter.

[@houstonsam6163]

I've been a fan of Linda Ronstadt since "You're No Good". She is probably the most versatile American vocalist of the last 100 years (at least) and her fearless pursuit and achievement in multiple styles and genres sets her apart from anyone else in living memory. What a pity that she cannot let go of her politics long enough to accept an honor that most people can only dream of.

[@campbellpaul]

She is from the Sonoran region, where she is the only voice of reason on both sides of the border. She would be a coward not to say what she is compelled to.

[@houstonsam6163]

@@campbellpaul The management of the US border is not an issue distinct to the Sonoran region. Her being from that region does not make her opinion special or any more valid than anyone else's opinion on border security or on immigration, and being opposed to a border wall is not "the only voice of reason." She has plenty of opportunities to speak her opinion; she was recognized here for cultural and artistic merit, not for her politics, but she made it a political issue. Most of the native Spanish speakers I know would have made clear that their culture and heritage cannot be co-opted and renamed to "Latinx" by white progressives.

[@campbellpaul]

@@houstonsam6163 I didn't say you had to agree with her views, did I? I merely said that she would be a coward not to share what she thinks. Believe me, I understand xenophobia, as we all have it to a degree. My own belief, is that she may even live in something of a bubble because of who she is, as people from all over adore her.. But I respect her all the more for having a voice.

[@houstonsam6163]

@@campbellpaul I have no problem with her expressing her opinions, whether or not I agree with them. There are other videos of her speaking her opinions in other situations and I offer no comment on them because she is simply exercising a fundamental right. I have a problem with her turning well-deserved cultural recognition into a platform for her politics. That disrespects many of the people who bought her records and the tickets to her concerts and who provided her lifestyle. When one is recognized with an honorary degree for cultural merit, for accomplishments which might speak to people regardless of their politics, the appropriate response is simply "thank you." But it gets much worse. She is reported by multiple sources to have said "It's a real conflict for me when I go to a concert and find out somebody in the audience is a Republican or a fundamental Christian. It can cloud my enjoyment. I'd rather not know." It seems to escape her that millions of her fans have the same response to hearing her beliefs; it clouds their enjoyment and they'd rather not know. It's also an incredibly obtuse, unaware opinion to express. Does she really think that among the thousands, perhaps millions, of people who paid to see her over the years there were not many, many Republicans and Christians? She's fortunate to have achieved fame in a time when information was not as freely available as today; openly insulting one's fans is now a career-ending move.

[@campbellpaul]

@@houstonsam6163 She cares more about her region than her fanbase, I'm sure. Also, her life's work has revolved around her acceptance of different cultures, and it's just a shame outside Republican and Catholic elements have infringed on here personal life. She's chosen a path of wisdom that she has gained through her personal experiences, and doesn't rely on the rest of us to agree with her. You can belittle her if you choose, but it just makes you smaller in the end.

[@IMEMINE.]

What have you done to make this a better world…

[@patriciamontesmartinez8385]

Tanks linda viva MÉXICO y EU.

[@nadiemequire]

Felicitationes querida Linda.

[@SandraRodriguez-be7yx]

Bravooooooooooo Linda 👩‍🎓🎈👑🫶❤️

[@SandraRodriguez-be7yx]

FELIZ NOCHE Linda ! Felizidades

[@Javiergarcia-wg1ry]

We love her!

[@gfborquez]

Congratulations Dr. Ronstadt! The most beautiful and very multi talented singer of our generation! By the way, please cut the Latinx bs Mr. Robbins.

[@jimclarke1108]

An amazing woman

[@user-le5qb5fd2i]

Singing talent and intelligence. Way to go Linda. An extraordinary vocalist of qualitative standard who has achieved so much in music recording, giving to humanitarian - social causes and popular music culture education. They just don't make them like this anymore

[@BKingdom-ek6vm]

perfection ♥

[@tomalaevans-rice4029]

Way to go!

[@pops1507]

And a statue. A big one!

[@neallund7693]

The most beautiful, richest voice I've ever heard.

[@kattengat2]

Did she actually study for this or was she awarded it for lifetime achievement?

[@mic1240]

It is an honorary doctorate, bestowed to her for her lifetime of musical accomplishments