Taylor Swift’s latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, includes a track inspired by the legendary Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor — and now, the pop star is opening up about how the late icon’s estate responded to it.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Estate Reacted “Lovingly” to the Tribute
During her recent appearance on BBC Radio 2’s The Breakfast Show, Swift was asked whether she needs to inform people when they’re referenced in her songs. The Blank Space singer explained,
“If they are real people, yeah. If it’s like Elizabeth Taylor, we go to their family and her estate and let them know. Yeah. They were lovely about it.”
Swift revealed that she personally reached out to Elizabeth Taylor’s estate before releasing the song. The estate not only approved the tribute but also embraced it warmly.
A Song That Reflects Fame, Pressure, and Parallels
The song Elizabeth Taylor — the second track on The Life of a Showgirl — explores the beauty and burden of fame. It draws clear parallels between Swift and the legendary actress, who passed away in 2011. Both women have faced intense public scrutiny over their personal lives.
Elizabeth Taylor famously married eight times to seven men, including actor Richard Burton, whom she wed twice. Swift’s lyrics —
“All the right guys promised they’d stay. Under bright lights, they withered away, but you bloom,”
beautifully capture the shared resilience of two women constantly in the spotlight.
The Estate’s Special Tribute to the Song
To celebrate the song, Elizabeth Taylor’s estate released a limited-edition orange crewneck sweater emblazoned with the actress’s name. Interestingly, the color matches the exact hue featured in Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl promotional visuals — a subtle nod of mutual admiration.
Swift’s Latest Era Shines Bright
Since releasing The Life of a Showgirl on October 3, Swift has been actively promoting the album. She’s shared behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, offering fans an intimate glimpse into her creative process.
Alongside the album, Swift also premiered Taylor Swift’s The Official Release Party of a Showgirl — a 90-minute theatrical experience that dominated the global box office, earning $46 million in its opening weekend.