Taylor Swift and the late Kris Kristofferson first met in 2009 at the 43rd Annual Country Music Awards. That night, Kristofferson presented Swift with an award.
Later, a benefit concert the two performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame would leave a lasting impact on the young star.
According to New York Magazine, Kristofferson told Swift, “I just know you are going to have the most wonderful career and most wonderful life,” while praising her songwriting.
Swift was somewhat overwhelmed when telling her mom backstage, “I felt like I was going to pass out! He said so many nice things about my songwriting … I can’t even remember everything he said. I blacked out a little bit.”
The same night, Kristofferson was asked if he felt Swift would end up in the Country Music Hall of Fame, and said, “She’s already in the Hall of Fame!”
In 2022, he used a photo from the concert as his first Instagram post.
Kristofferson passed away over the weekend at the age of 88. Swift has not yet commented on his passing.
