Taylor Swift recalls how Kenny Chesney 'fueled' her music dreams as she's named TIME's Person of the Year

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Taylor Swift has been declared TIME’s Person of the Year in 2023.

The 12-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, who’s a billionaire in her own right, opened up about her early days in the music industry in her profile with the magazine published on Wednesday.

With the momentous achievement coming in her 18th year in the business, the 33-year-old hitmaker didn’t pass up on the opportunity to show gratitude to the people who helped her along her musical journey.

In her interview, Swift mentioned country star Kenny Chesney, who gave her a life-changing gift when she turned 18 years old, and that would go on to change the course of her life.

How did Kenny Chesney help Taylor Swift achieve stardom?

Swift was 17 years old when she was approached about opening for country musician Kenny Chesney, likely for the ‘Flip-Flop Summer Tour’, which was the second-highest-grossing concert series of 2007.

"This was going to change my career," Swift told TIME. "I was so excited."

Unfortunately, Swift was disqualified from participating in the country star’s tour since she was a minor at the time and the tour was sponsored by a beer company.

Swift recalled being "devastated" when her mother conveyed the news to her.

However, a few months later, when Swift turned 18 in December of 2007, Chesney's promoter delivered Swift a card from the country singer along with a note and a check to compensate her for not being able to tour with him.

"It was far more money than I'd ever seen in my life," Swift recalled. "I was able to pay my band bonuses. I was able to pay for my tour buses. I was able to fuel my dreams."

Swift later performed a duet with Chesney on the opening night of his 2015 concert ‘The Big Revival Tour’, singing ‘Big Star,’ which was also included on the country musician’s 2017 tour album, ‘Live in No Shoes Nation.’

Over the years, the two musicians have remained friends and have welcomed one other to share the stage on countless occasions.

What did Kenny Chesney say about Taylor Swift?

In TIME’s profile of Swift, Chesney was also noted lavishing praise on the songstress, notably her songwriter abilities.

"She was a writer who had something to say," he revealed. "That isn't something you can fake by writing clichés. You can only live it, then write it as real as possible."

Chesney, likewise, made an appearance on Swift's 2011 ‘Speak Now World Tour’ as well.

Chesney turned to X (previously Twitter) to express his happiness after Swift's interview with TIME was released on Wednesday.

"Taylor, I knew looking in your eyes that first time on stage with us, you had 'it.' The hunger, that something special… A gift not everyone has to connect," he penned. "It's been awesome watching you shine! Congratulations on being @TIME’s Person of the Year.”

He continued, "I'm glad TIME sees what I've always loved about your music, your art & you as a human being. I'm so proud of you & I love you."

Internet overjoyed by exchange between Swift and Chesney

People on X gave their plaudits to Taylor Swift on her incredible achievement and reacted approvingly to this flourishing mentor-mentee relationship between her and Chesney.

One X user said: "This is honestly so sweet and heartwarming".

Another user wrote, "Kenny, that is so wonderful what you did for Taylor, giving her that money to basically start her career off. It was likely a game-changer for her. No one invests in anyone these days. It's all about greed. Everyone is out for themselves."

Another user tweeted, "Thank you for your constant support of taylor over the years kenny! we love and appreciate you"

One user said, "Thank you for seeing the magic in her and thank you for helping her so long ago."

Another user wrote, "Thank YOU for helping her on her road to finding her dreams! What an amazing man you are!"

Another X user quipped, "Kenny was the Mastermind all along".

One user tweeted, "This gave me chills. You are an amazing artist and even better person. Much love Mr. Chesney. Have a Swift day."

Finally, this X user wrote, "Congratulations, Taylor!"