Taylor Swift’s parents were not too eager to endorse a few of her past flames, but Joe Alwyn might have been an exception.
From the hordes of die-hard fans to the lengthy catalog of chart-topping hits, Taylor Swift has been making out like a bandit on practically all fronts since she rose to the limelight with her hit single, Tim McGraw. One area where her fortunes haven’t been quite as forthcoming, however, is her dating life.
Despite dating some of the biggest names in the music industry and beyond, Taylor is yet to meet her perfect match. But one thing’s for sure, there are at least two people whose opinions will factor heavily into whom Taylor eventually chooses to settle down with; her parents, Scott and Andrea Swift. But could the two have already picked a favorite out of Swift's lineup of famous exes?
From dominating the music charts to headlining the most successful tour in history, country pop sensation Taylor Swift has been breaking barriers in the music world for well over a decade. However, her illustrious career isn't the only reason her name is seemingly always in the headlines.
The acclaimed singer-songwriter has also gained notoriety for her string of famous exes. From pop sensation Harry Styles to controversial rock star Matty Healy, Swift has had multiple high-profile romances, most of which have ended rather abruptly. Things seemed to take a turn for the better when the now 33-year-old met and fell head over heels for British heartthrob Joe Alwyn in 2016.
The two went on to date for a record-breaking six years, calling it quits in April 2023 amid Taylor’s record-breaking Eras Tour. Fans were devastated by the split, but could the same be said for Swift's parents, Scott and Andrea Swift?
As it turns out, the two had grown quite fond of Alwyn and were even completely unopposed to him and Taylor tying the knot. “Her parents love Joe,” a source close to the pop star shared with US Weekly in March 2019, adding that Alwyn would “have everyone’s blessing” should he choose to pop the question.
Alwyn even became a crucial pillar of support for the Swifts amid Andrea’s brain tumor diagnosis. "Her mom's health is always very much on Taylor's mind,” a source close to the family shared with E! News in 2021. “She goes back and forth to see her mom and Joe comes along."
Given their glowing endorsement of Alwyn, one might assume that most, if not all, of Swift’s romantic picks have gotten Scott and Andrea’s seal of approval. However, the duo’s nod of approval hasn’t been so readily granted to some past flames.
This was certainly the case for Martin Johnson, the Boys Like Girls frontman widely believed to be the subject of at least three of Swift’s songs: ‘Love Story,’ ‘White Horse,’ and ‘If This Was a Movie.’
Speaking to the crowd at the 2015 Academy of Country Music Awards, Taylor’s mom, Andrea Swift, hinted that the inspiration behind ‘Love Story’ didn't exactly fit the bill as a romantic prospect for Taylor.
"She was 17 years old, and her dad and I strongly disapproved of a certain young man, and rightfully so. She went to her room, and she closed the door, and she came out about an hour later with a song called ‘Love Story.’”
Scott and Andrea were also reportedly less enthusiastic about Harry Styles, with whom Taylor had a brief romance between late 2012 and early 2013. Speaking to The Sun in 2013, an insider admitted that Taylor’s dad wasn’t exactly thrilled with the whirlwind pace of Harry and Taylor’s relationship.
"[Scott] likes Harry, but he wants them to slow down and take things easy. It’s clear to everyone they are smitten with one another and already talking about marriage. He doesn’t want them to split up as fast as they’ve got together and for Taylor to end up devastated.”
Scott was also reportedly not too eager to endorse controversial rockman Matty Healy, whom Taylor is rumored to have dated in the aftermath of her split from Alwyn.
“Scott is wary of any man Taylor dates and questions if Matty has an agenda or is using her for fame. He’s definitely keeping a close eye on Matty — mainly because of his wild past,” an insider shared with RadarOnline in May 2023. “Taylor insists Matty has changed. So, while Scott is not his biggest fan, he’s giving Matty the benefit of the doubt.”
From all indications, Joe Alwyn had completely won over Scott and Andrea’s hearts before his 2023 split from Taylor. As it turns out, the Miss Americana star wasn’t the only one who’d managed to charm the would-be in-laws.
Swift was also proving quite irresistible to his parents; Richard and Elizabeth Alwyn. The ‘Love Story’ singer was already going above and beyond to impress the two as early as six months into the relationship. According to Life & Style Magazine, Swift had even offered to whisk them from England to Nashville via private jet just so they’d have a chance to bond with Scott and Andrea at one point.
An insider source told the outlet the following:
"Taylor is extremely close to her family and she loves Joe’s parents. She really wants them all to get to know each other. Taylor has offered to fly Joe’s parents out by private jet. His folks are low-key and aren’t used to the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle, but Taylor’s going out of her way to impress them."
The ‘White Horse’ singer had also reportedly made a point of spending as much time as possible in the company of Alwyn’s family.
"She is back and forth between Nashville and England spending time with her family and with Joe's family,” a source shared with E! News in 2021, adding, “They both know each other's families well and have spent a lot of time getting to know each other."
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Vicky is a features writer who’s worked with Valnet Inc. since June 2023. She is an enthusiast of movies, reality TV, and celebrity lifestyle.
