Linda Ronstadt, a legend in both the music world and the Latina community, has officially spoken out. After hearing that former President Donald Trump would be holding a rally in Tucson at a venue bearing her name, she wasted no time in releasing a pointed statement.

“Donald Trump will be holding a rally on Thursday in a rented hall in my hometown of Tucson,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “I’d rather ignore that sad fact. But since the building is named after me, I have to say something.”

Two days after the presidential debate, Trump will appear at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall in Arizona. For the celebrated artist—a 2014 inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and proud daughter of a Mexican immigrant father—this hits too close to home.

Linda Ronstadt: A legend rooted in Mexican heritage

Linda Ronstadt’s roots in Tucson are more than just sentimental; they run deep. Born to a Mexican-American father, Ronstadt grew up in a household that celebrated their cultural heritage. It was a house with music at the heart of that tradition. Her career, which spans over five decades, has been defined by her boundary-pushing sound. She infused rock, pop, and Mexican folk music and became one of the most versatile singers of her generation.

Tucson itself, with its proximity to the Mexican border and rich immigrant history, holds a significant place in Ronstadt’s life. The city has long been a sanctuary for Mexican Americans and immigrants. It fosters a tight-knit, multi-generational community that champions tolerance and cultural pride. This makes the former president’s presence there even more of a slap in the face to Ronstadt, whose values stand in stark opposition to Trump’s rhetoric and policies.

‘This Isn’t Just Politics—It’s Personal’

“It saddens me to see the former President bring his hate show to Tucson, a city with deep Mexican-American roots and a joyful, tolerant spirit,” Linda Ronstadt wrote, drawing a line in the sand between her own values and what she sees as Trump’s divisive politics.

For the “You’re No Good” singer, Trump’s visit goes beyond mere politics. It feels like a personal affront to a place she holds dear. Ronstadt didn’t pull any punches in her condemnation: “Not only do I deplore his toxic politics, his hatred of women, immigrants, and people of color, but also his criminality, dishonesty, and ignorance.”

Linda Ronstadt’s critique not only focuses in Trump’s rhetoric, but in his administration’s policies—specifically, his approach to immigration. “In Nogales and across the southern border, the Trump administration systematically tore apart migrant families seeking asylum. Family separation orphaned thousands of young children and babies and brutalized their desperate mothers and fathers,” Ronstadt continued, highlighting the humanitarian crisis that occurred under Trump’s watch.

According to Physicians for Human Rights, these actions meet the criteria for torture—a reality that still haunts communities in Tucson, where immigrant families have sought refuge for generations.

Linda Ronstadt doesn’t hold back

With less than two months until the presidential election, Linda Ronstadt didn’t hesitate to spell out what’s at stake if Donald Trump returns to the White House. She bluntly reminded people of Trump’s infamous campaign rhetoric: “Trump first ran for president warning about rapists coming from Mexico. I’m worried about keeping the rapist out of the White House.”

Ronstadt, who has lived a fiercely independent life, also took aim at the stereotypes often used against women like her. “I raised two adopted children in Tucson as a single mother. They are both grown and live in their own homes. I live with a cat,” she quipped, turning the outdated ‘cat lady’ trope on its head. “Am I half a childless cat lady because I’m not married and didn’t give birth to my children? Call me what you want, but this cat lady will proudly vote in November for @kamalaharris and @timwalz.”

A legacy of activism

Ronstadt’s strong words are no surprise given her legacy of activism and outspokenness, especially when it comes to human rights and immigration. Tucson, where she spent much of her youth, has long been a crossroads of cultures, with a deep history of Mexican-American influence. The city has consistently been a battleground for immigration issues, with over 40% of its population identifying as Latino.

As Linda Ronstadt draws a line in the sand, it’s clear that this fight is deeply personal. Her father’s immigrant story, the vibrant culture of Tucson, and her decades-long career breaking barriers in music are all part of why she’s standing up now. In calling out Trump’s rally at a building named after her, Ronstadt is standing up for the values that define both her music and her life: compassion, tolerance, and justice.

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