Ancestry reveals Swift is related to the iconic poet, marking a surprising link between two artistic souls

Taylor Swift, known for her evocative songwriting and emotional depth, shares a familial bond with one of America’s most renowned poets, Emily Dickinson. Ancestry.com unveiled on March 4 that the Grammy-winning artist and the celebrated 19th-century poet are sixth cousins, three times removed, tracing back to a 17th-century English immigrant who was an early settler in Windsor, Connecticut.

This revelation connects Swift and Dickinson through a lineage that spans centuries, highlighting a shared ancestral journey from England to the United States. According to Ancestry, Swift’s 9th great-grandfather and Dickinson’s 6th great-grandfather laid the foundation for this poetic lineage. Swift’s ancestors remained in Connecticut for several generations before part of the family moved to northwestern Pennsylvania, where they married into the Swift family line.

The connection between Swift and Dickinson adds a fascinating layer to Swift’s artistic identity, known for her lyrical narratives that resonate with fans worldwide. Swift herself has referenced Dickinson in the past, notably during her acceptance speech for the Songwriter-Artist of the Decade honor from the Nashville Songwriters Association International in 2022. She humorously compared her songwriting to “a letter written by Emily Dickinson’s great-grandmother,” showcasing her admiration for the poet’s work.

Speculation about Swift drawing inspiration from Dickinson gained traction with the release of her 2020 album, “evermore.” Fans noted the album’s announcement on Dickinson’s birthday, December 10, and speculated that the title might reference the poet’s use of “forevermore” in her poetry. This connection underscores the shared themes of love, loss, and introspection that pervade both Swift’s songs and Dickinson’s poems.

This newly revealed family tie between Taylor Swift and Emily Dickinson serves as a testament to the enduring influence of ancestry on artistic expression. It invites fans and followers to explore the intricate ways in which past and present, history and creativity, intertwine in the lives of two distinguished figures in American culture.