Who Are Taylor Swift's Parents? They Have Always Been Supportive of Her Career
Taylor Swift's parents supported her singing career despite their marriage ending in divorce. In fact, Taylor Swift's mom has a song in the "Fearless" album dedicated to her.
When Taylor Swift's "Fearless" album was released and made waves in the music scene, her parents were dealing with an unstable marriage and, ultimately, a divorce.
The singer wrote and dedicated one of the album's songs, "The Best Day," to her mom, Andrea, as a surprise. By listening to the lyrics, fans can immediately see the close mother-daughter relationship.
"'The Best Day' is a song that I wrote without telling my mom. I wrote it in the summertime, and I recorded it secretly, too," Taylor said. In the song, Taylor revealed that Andrea was her only friend at 13, who would make her feel happy when it seemed like things were falling apart.
Taylor wrote about her parents again on her "Speak Now" album, released after Andrea and Scott's divorce. In the song "Mine," Taylor mentioned her parents' fights and their effect on their kids.
"You say we'll never make my parents' mistakes," she wrote from the perspective of being in a relationship and arguing with her special someone.
Taylor Swift's Mother Took Her Daughter to Nashville to Visit Record Labels
Andrea, born on January 10, 1958, was introduced to music at a young age. Her mother, Taylor's grandmother Marjorie Finlay, was an opera singer and celebrity.
At 11 years old, Taylor already knew music was her passion, so Andrea took her to Nashville to visit different record labels. As the "You Belong With Me" songstress recalled, Andrea waited in the car with her son, Austin, while her daughter introduced herself to various record houses. Taylor narrated:
"I would say, 'Hi, I'm Taylor. I'm 11. I want a record deal. Call me."
Andrea Swift and Taylor Swift during the 2010 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 21, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Although Taylor did not find an opportunity then, she had more luck after learning to play the guitar. Three years later, her country music career launched in Tennessee. Her parents never disclosed why they moved from Pennsylvania to Nashville to avoid possible guilt their daughter may feel.
As Taylor pursued her career, Andrea always stayed by her daughter's side, traveling on tour while helping the young entertainer finish her studies on the road. Meanwhile, Scott took care of Austin at home.
Taylor Swift Reported on Her Mother's Cancer
Amidst the height of her fame, Taylor revealed her mother's cancer diagnosis to the public in 2015. Although she kept the details of Andrea's illness and treatments private, Taylor dedicated the song "Soon You'll Get Better" to her mom in 2019.
Scott Swift, Taylor Swift, and Andrea Swift during the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 7, 2013, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Around that time, Andrea's cancer had returned, and doctors discovered a brain tumor. During an interview, the singer credited her mom for being a constant source of motivation and guidance throughout her life. "Obviously, it was a really big deal to ever speak about her illness," she added.
Taylor Swift's Father Also Had Cancer
Unfortunately, Scott, born on March 5, 1952, was also diagnosed with cancer. Taylor also kept the details of her father's illness private but shared the life lessons she learned from her parents' health struggles.
Although Taylor talks about her mom more, it is known that Scott Swift was a stockbroker and launched the Swift Group as part of Merrill Lynch. When their family moved to Nashville in 2004, Scott had to relocate his business as well.
He also used his connections to get Taylor an opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the 2008 World Series. Once, Scott made a sweet gesture by giving away pizza to his daughter's fans, who waited for Taylor's performance.