Taylor Swift's mum had her daughter's fans shedding a tear or two when she made a touching speech ahead of presenting her with a trophy at the 2015 Academy of Country Music Awards in Texas. Andrea Swift spoke of watching her daughter, who on Sunday was one of seven recipients of the 50th Anniversary Milestone Award, grow up from "a tangled-haired little girl" to a young woman.
© Photo: Getty Images"I've watched this milestone artist from the time she was a tangled-haired little girl growing up on our farm, full of imagination and creativity, until right now, as she prepares for her next world tour," Andrea, 57, began. "And ever since then, her favourite thing in the world to do has been to write a song, tell a story, play guitar or piano. And I've seen those things carry her through every emotion, every experience in her life, good or bad."
© Photo: Getty ImagesShe went on to explain that she, Taylor's dad and brother are sometimes the subjects of Taylor's songs. She recalled when the 25-year-old wrote one of her most famous hits, 2008's Love Story, which is one of the best-selling singles of all time: "her dad and I strongly disapproved of a certain young man, and rightfully so. But she was mad, she was real mad. And she went to her room, and she closed the door, and she came out about an hour later with a song called Love Story."
© Photo: Getty ImagesAndrea, who Taylor recently revealed had been diagnosed with cancer, continued: " I witnessed a young girl with very few friends become a young woman with many, learning to stand up for herself and the things she believes in, being brave enough to explore her musical curiosity, having a voice against those who hate, and giving of herself to those in need. "Becoming visibly emotional, Taylor's mum concluded by thanking everyone for supporting the Style singer: "Like many of you with children of your own, I am a very proud mum. So I'd like to thank the ACMs for honouring her in this way, 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. "Taylor then took to the stage to warmly embrace her mum before making her own speech. "I learned how to treat people with kindness and respect from country music," said the star.
