Then country star, now pop music phenomenon Taylor Swift was honored for her achievements at the 50th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, Apr. 19.
What made receiving the Milestone Award so special wasn’t necessarily the award itself, but the person who presented it to her:
Her mom.
Taylor’s mother, Andrea Swift, delivered a beautiful speech on stage about how proud and thankful she is to be able to witness her daughter’s growing success.
"I've watched this milestone artist from the time she was a tangled hair little girl growing up on our farm, full of imagination and creativity," Andrea said.
“And ever since then, her favorite thing in the world to do has been to write a song, tell a story, play a guitar, or a piano... And I’ve seen those things carry her through every emotion, every experience in her life, good or bad,” she said as she fought back the tears.
“For many years I was her constant companion,” Andrea continued. “I witnessed a girl with very few friends become one with many, learning to stand up for the things she believes in. Being brave enough to explore her musical curiosity… Giving herself to those in need.”
"I am a very proud mom,” Mama Swift told the audience at AT&T Stadium.
“I’d like to thank the ACMs for honoring her in this way," she concluded. "But I’d also like to thank the entire music community for taking such good care of her. And to the fans, I know you love her as I love her. And for that, I thank you eternally.”
(via ET)
Her dad, Scott Swift, was also in attendance that evening, smiling from ear to ear.
(via MTV)
The heartfelt speech follows Taylor’s recent announcement that her mom had been diagnosed with cancer.
On Apr. 9, Taylor shared the news via her Tumblr account. Despite there being "no red flags," she and her brother had asked their mom to get “screened for any health issues” as a gift this past Christmas.
"There were no red flags and she felt perfectly fine, but she did it just to get me and my brother off her case about it," she explained.
Unfortunately, the tests came back positive:
"The results came in, and I’m saddened to tell you that my mom has been diagnosed with cancer," Taylor wrote.
Themselves taken by surprise, she and her mother encouraged everyone to get screened.
"[My mom] wanted you to know because your parents may be too busy juggling everything they've got going on to go to the doctor, and maybe you reminding them to go get checked for cancer could possibly lead to an early diagnosis and an easier battle," Taylor said. "Or peace of mind in knowing that they’re healthy and there’s nothing to worry about. She wanted you to know why she may not be at as many shows this tour. She’s got an important battle to fight."
Sharing such personal information with the world takes courage and deserves the utmost respect.
H/T ET