A genealogical firm disclosed on Monday that Taylor Swift is distantly connected to Emily Dickinson, another woman well-known for her writings.
Ancestry.com indicates that Dickinson and Swift are sixth cousins, three times removed. Both the power and the 'Cruel Summer' singer are sprung from an English immigrant who arrived in Windsor, Connecticut, early in the 17th century, as per ABC News.
Taylor Swift's Family Ties to Poet Emily Dickinson
Taylor Swift shares familial connections with the iconic American poet Emily Dickinson. Swift's ancestry can be traced back to Connecticut, where her forebears resided for six generations before eventually settling in north-western Pennsylvania, intermarrying with the Swift family line.
This unexpected finding indicates Swift and Dickinson are distant relatives, specifically sixth cousins, three times removed. Emily Dickinson, born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, is widely recognized as a key figure in American poetry. Living a secluded life in her family home and releasing secretly during her lifetime adds a sense of mystery to her legacy.
Swift's recognition of Dickinson goes beyond their family connection. During 2022, when receiving the Songwriter-Artist of the Decade award, Swift compared her songwriting style to a letter written by Emily Dickinson's great-grandmother, bringing a feeling of nostalgia and old-fashioned charm to her lyrics.
Fans have also noted the connection between Swift's ninth studio album, "Evermore," and Dickinson. The album's release on December 10, 2020, aligns with Dickinson's birthday, and enthusiasts have identified lyrical parallels to the poet's prose.
The date of this finding related to Swift's family aligns with the release of her forthcoming album, "The Tortured Poets Department," which is scheduled to take place in April. Swift, who is now on the Asia leg of her Eras tour, said at a performance in Australia in February that the process of composing her new album over the course of the previous two years has been a meaningful and calming experience for her, according to The Guardian.
Taylor Swift's Beginnings in Nashville
Swift's musical journey began in Nashville, Tennessee, where her family moved to support her burgeoning music career when she was 14. This familial support marked the initiation of Swift's path to becoming a 14-time Grammy winner.
Emily Dickinson, on the other hand, spent her life in Amherst, Massachusetts, and passed away at the age of 55 in 1886. Despite writing thousands of poems, only a handful were published during her lifetime, with the majority released posthumously. Her unique style, characterized by short stanzas and untitled works, challenges conventional poetic norms and continues to be revered in American literature.
Swift's reference to Dickinson's influence on her lyrics, coupled with the familial revelation, adds a poignant layer to the Grammy-winning artist's creative narrative. The timing of the announcement, coinciding with the reveal of Swift's 11th studio album, has piqued the interest of fans eagerly anticipating her latest musical offering.
As Taylor Swift resumes her Eras Tour after a brief hiatus, her European leg in May and subsequent performances in the UK promise to captivate audiences. The fortuitous familial connection to Emily Dickinson adds an intriguing chapter to Swift's evolving artistic journey, Independent reported.
