Taylor Swift and Emily Dickinson Are Cousins: It All Makes Sense Now
Ancestry discovered that Taylor Swift, known for her lyrical prowess, is distantly related to the renowned American poet, Emily Dickinson.
They are descendants of a 17th-century English immigrant who settled in Windsor, Connecticut, making them sixth cousins, three times removed. This discovery highlights Swift’s connection to literary heritage, which echoes her upcoming album titled The Tortured Poets Department.
taylor swift being related to emily dickinson one of the best poet of the 19th century makes so much sense to me
— cel (@celestialswiftt) March 4, 2024
The “Karma” singer’s ancestors lived in Connecticut for six generations before moving to northwestern Pennsylvania and intermarrying with the Swift family. Swift has openly acknowledged her connection to Emily Dickinson, citing the 19th-century poet when discussing her songwriting style.
In 2022, upon receiving the Songwriter-Artist of the Decade Award, she humorously referred to her lyrical style as akin to “a letter written by Emily Dickinson’s great-grandmother while sewing a lace curtain,” categorizing it as the “Quill genre.”
Fans have speculated that the “Lover” artist may have been inspired by the 19th-century poet for her ninth studio album, Evermore. Moreover, Swift announced the album’s release on December 10, 2020, coinciding with Dickinson’s birthday. Dickinson also wrote a poem titled “One Sister Have I in Our House,” which has the word “forevermore,” like Swift’s album title.
taylor swift being emily dickinson's cousin is cool, but evermore being announced on her birthday is cooler pic.twitter.com/DV262CIH5T
— saturn, (@coveredinher) March 4, 2024
Before announcing the release of Evermore, the singer discussed the concept for the cover of her earlier album Folklore. She envisioned a girl sleepwalking through a forest in a nightgown in 1830, the year Dickinson was born.
Ancestry has a history of uncovering relationships between American icons. They also discovered that Tom Hanks, who portrayed Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, is related to him.
Taylor Swift’s upcoming eleventh studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, is set to be released on April 19, through Republic Records. Furthermore Swift announced the album at the 66 Annual Grammy Awards in February following her win for Best Pop Vocal Album for Midnights (2022). Described as her “lifeline” record, it comprises sixteen songs, including collaborations with Post Malone and Florence and the Machine.
You can keep up with more Taylor Swift updates here at Glitter Magazine.
