Netflix to Produce Groundbreaking Documentary on Music Legend Linda Ronstadt

In a move that has thrilled fans and music historians alike, Netflix has officially announced a new documentary chronicling the life, career, and cultural legacy of Linda Ronstadt — one of the most versatile and influential voices in American music. The documentary, set to premiere globally in early 2026, will trace Ronstadt’s journey from her Arizona roots to international stardom, exploring her unmatched vocal range, genre-defying artistry, and her personal battles with illness and industry politics.

The project, currently untitled, is being produced in close collaboration with Linda Ronstadt herself, as well as her longtime collaborators and family members. Netflix has tapped Oscar-winning documentarian Morgan Neville, known for 20 Feet from Stardom and Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, to direct the film. According to insiders, the documentary will blend never-before-seen archival footage, rare performance clips, and intimate interviews with musicians, friends, and Ronstadt’s contemporaries.

Ronstadt, whose career spans over four decades, is known for her remarkable ability to cross musical boundaries — from rock, pop, and country to Mexican mariachi and classical standards. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, and 11 Grammy Awards to her name, her story is not just that of an artist, but of a revolutionary woman who consistently broke molds in a male-dominated industry.

The documentary is expected to shine a spotlight on pivotal moments in Ronstadt’s career, including her historic 1987 album Canciones de Mi Padre, which celebrated her Mexican heritage and became the best-selling non-English language album in American history. The film will also delve into her early days with the Stone Poneys, her chart-topping solo career, and her collaborations with artists like Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Aaron Neville, and Nelson Riddle.

A major emotional thread in the documentary will focus on Ronstadt’s battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disorder that ended her singing career in 2009. Despite her diagnosis, Ronstadt has continued to advocate for music education and cultural preservation, using her voice in powerful ways beyond the microphone.

In a statement released through her publicist, Ronstadt said, “I never thought my life would be something worth documenting, but I’m honored and humbled by the care and attention this team is putting into telling my story. Music was always how I connected with people, and I hope this film helps others feel that connection, too.”

Netflix’s Vice President of Documentary Features, Lisa Nishimura, praised the importance of Ronstadt’s legacy. “Linda Ronstadt’s impact on American music and culture is immeasurable. Her voice transcended genres and generations. This film will celebrate not just her talent, but her courage, conviction, and contribution to our shared cultural history.”

The documentary will also feature commentary from a wide range of artists influenced by Ronstadt’s work, including Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, Bonnie Raitt, and even contemporary Latin pop stars like Becky G and Natalia Lafourcade. Their testimonies underscore Ronstadt’s cross-generational appeal and enduring relevance in today’s music landscape.

Filming is reportedly underway in Tucson, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, with the production team aiming to capture the physical and emotional spaces that shaped Ronstadt’s life and music. Viewers can expect intimate visuals of her childhood home, studio sessions, and key concert footage from her peak touring years in the 1970s and 1980s.

Netflix plans to release the documentary alongside a remastered collection of Ronstadt’s most iconic performances, digitally restored and available for streaming as a musical companion to the film. This multimedia rollout is aimed at introducing her timeless catalog to a new generation of fans.

While Ronstadt has been the subject of prior biographical works, including the acclaimed 2019 documentary The Sound of My Voice, this new Netflix feature promises to be the most comprehensive and emotionally resonant portrayal to date. By placing her legacy within a broader cultural and historical context, the film seeks to cement Linda Ronstadt’s rightful place as one of the most important voices in American music.

With anticipation already building, music lovers around the world are eagerly awaiting what many are calling a long-overdue celebration of a true pioneer. As one producer close to the project put it: “This is not just a documentary — it’s a love letter to Linda, and to the music that made so many of us feel seen, heard, and understood.