When you’re at the top of the showbiz world, you’re an easy target. Taylor Swift resides there these days. She’s made millions with her music, and has won every award in the industry. To be clear, I’m not wild about a lot of her music, and I wasn’t thrilled when Rolling Stone included one of her tunes among the 25 Best Country Songs Ever.
But I’ll say this in her defense: other than the somewhat frequent break-ups in her romantic life (not unusual for a 24-year-old), she has been scandal-free. She hasn’t been arrested, hasn’t been in rehab, hasn’t been caught speeding at 110 mph, hasn’t egged her neighbor’s house, and hasn’t beaten up anyone in an elevator. No doubt, she isn’t perfect, which makes her a bit like you and me.
I’m sure she lives in luxurious surroundings, and is able to travel to all corners of the world in her jet. So in that respect, she’s nothing like you and me. So allow me to take a moment and admire Taylor, who could easily take all those millions and retreat to her mansion, or her island, and never have to make actual contact with the little people who have padded her bank accounts. It would be easy for her to follow the example of superstars before her who notoriously avoid eye contact and have an army of “handlers” to shield them from the public.
Here’s some video from Sunday at a children’s hospital in Boston.
It’s the latest in a string of surprise appearances, in which Taylor Swift takes a few moments to brighten the life of a sick child. If you Google “Taylor Swift hospital,” you will see dozens of photos with Taylor visiting children with serious illnesses. She sings, she plays the guitar, she even takes requests. On many occasions, her scheduled one-hour visit turns into a five-hour visit. She doesn’t leave until she’s seen everyone who wants to see her.
When you visit Nashville, you will see more of Taylor’s kindness and generosity on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Two years ago, she donated $4 million to the museum’s award-winning educational programs. The Taylor Swift Education Center offers hands-on experiences connected to the museum’s content. Three classrooms, a videoconference lab, and an interactive gallery, all creating an exciting learning environment for all ages. With activities for school groups, tailored programs for toddlers, afterschool workshops for teens, and book talks for adults, the Taylor Swift Education Center allows visitors of all ages a chance to experience the culture of country music. Hers is the largest individual artist gift ever donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
A few years ago, she performed in Chattanooga at the McKenzie Arena. My friends at US-101 interviewed her before the show, and invited a Channel 3 reporter to bring a camera and ask a couple of questions. They all reported that this barely-20-year-old star, with an arena full of fans awaiting her show, couldn’t have been nicer. There was no rushing, no attitude. “Are you all sure you have everything you need?” she asked at the end. Believe me, not every star is that accommodating.
Some might question whether she’s really a country music performer. Others tire of her frequent award wins, often accompanied by a look of shock and surprise on her face: after all, she’s won them all, many several times over. How surprised could she really be? But for me, that’s all trumped by her continuing generosity, and kindness toward her fans, especially those who are alone in the hospital. Some only have days to live; others will eventually go home to lead long lives. All are thankful for her time and her concern.
Are her publicists glad that her good deeds get this attention? I would imagine so. But at least she’s not out embarrassing herself, her family or her fans. We all make choices, from the wealthiest superstar, to the lowliest laborer. I’m glad Taylor seems to be making good choices. If your teenage daughter needs a role model, she could do a lot worse.
