Taylor Swift's heartwarming gesture to a young fan has been revealed weeks after a video went viral on TikTok. The 36-year-old songstress responded to the Swiftie after coming across a sweet clip posted in April.
The Viral TikTok Moment
An eight-year-old girl named Madeline requested her neighbor, a musician, to play a Swift song on his guitar. She did so in a very unique way by sending a message on a paper airplane which she tossed over his fence. The neighbor, Ethan Hayes, received the special request and played a rendition of Love Story, which Madeline's mother caught on camera. The reel quickly gained traction on social media and has since raked in nearly 4 million views.
Swift's Generous Response
Swift was one viewer who came across the TikTok. In response, the Grammy winner sent a signed guitar to Madeline as well as a hand-written note, according to People. Her neighbor, Ethan Hayes, was also sent a guitar from Swift. In the note, Swift wrote that seeing the video 'brought the biggest smile to my face.' She added, 'I am sending you your own guitar in case you ever want to learn too! And sending you my love.'
Neighbor's Reaction
Hayes told People that Swift's team personally reached out to him. 'They're like, "Hey, Taylor saw your video. We want to send you something. Don't tell anyone until it gets there."' He added, 'I was expecting maybe a signed poster or something. And then she sent us guitars, which is insane.' The young Swiftie also offered her own response to Swift's surprise gift and simply said, 'Thank you.'
Background of the Viral Video
The viral TikTok was shared by Madeline's mother Natalie, with text over the clip reading: 'Our daughter sent a paper airplane to our new neighbor, and this happened...' The eight-year-old asked her neighbor in the note if he could possibly play a Swift song after overhearing him playing guitar outside. Due to being shy, she sent the message via a paper airplane over the fence dividing their properties. Hayes could be seen picking up the paper plane and, after reading the message, went to the back patio to play Love Story. 'I'm a musician, so I get requests all the time. That's one I always usually keep in my back pocket,' he told People. Madeline's mom recalled waking up the next morning after posting the sweet clip to TikTok and shockingly discovering that it had already garnered thousands of views. Hayes shared that the viral moment has received positive feedback on social media and called it 'a really wholesome situation.'
Swift's History of Generosity
Swift has been involved in other generous moments over the years, including tipping staff $600 at Arrowhead Stadium late last year. During past NFL appearances, she has been spotted tipping ticket takers, security staff and custodial workers at both Arrowhead and Highmark Stadium. Her kindness has extended throughout her record-breaking Eras Tour as well, including giving out $197 million in bonuses to her crew.
Personal Life and Upcoming Wedding
Swift herself has been keeping busy as she prepares for her nuptials to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The couple, who were first romantically linked in 2023, made an appearance at the Knicks and Cavaliers game over the past weekend. The lovebirds sat courtside for the date night, and later in the evening, the NFL player took part in a stunt shown on the jumbotron. Kelce was seen chugging a can of beer, which appeared to leave the singer speechless as she held a hand to her mouth while watching. Another moment showed the Grammy winner tilting her head down as the palm of her hand fully covered her face. The Daily Mail recently confirmed that Swift and Kelce are set to tie the knot in NYC on July 3. It has also been previously claimed that the singer has asked some of her celebrity pals to be her bridesmaids, including Selena Gomez and Gigi Hadid. Swift's A-list friends are reportedly planning surprises for her upcoming nuptials. According to The U.S. Sun, some of her close celebrity pals are part of the bridal party and will show never-before-seen photos and videos of the pop star to wedding guests. Gomez is also working on a special performance by the bridal party who will belt out Swift's hits from over the years. Kelce is reportedly set to take part in the moment and 'wants to do everything he can to ensure she has the best wedding day ever and to build lasting memories.' Swift and the NFL star have recently been spotted enjoying outings together in New York City this month. The Bad Blood hitmaker donned a black minidress as she sweetly held hands with Kelce as they exited the Italian eatery Sartiano's last week.
