Exploring the Swift-Dickinson Connection: A Distant Genealogical Link

Unveiling Ancestral Ties

Ancestry, a popular genealogy website, recently revealed an intriguing connection between two notable figures: pop star Taylor Swift and renowned American poet Emily Dickinson. According to Ancestry’s findings, Swift and Dickinson are distantly related, sharing a common ancestor dating back to the 17th century.

Sixth Cousins, Three Times Removed

Delving into the specifics of their genealogical link, Ancestry disclosed that Swift and Dickinson are sixth cousins, three times removed. This familial connection can be traced back to an early settler of Windsor, Connecticut, who immigrated from England centuries ago.

Tracing Family Roots

Ancestry provided additional details about their shared ancestor, identifying him as Swift’s ninth great-grandfather and Dickinson’s sixth great-grandfather. Swift’s family lineage continued in Connecticut for six generations before eventually settling in northwestern Pennsylvania, where they intersected with the Swift family line.

Swift’s Connection to Dickinson

Swift’s connection to Dickinson goes beyond mere genealogy. The pop star, born in West Reading, Pennsylvania, has long expressed admiration for the iconic poet, referencing her in various contexts throughout her career.

Literary Inspiration

Swift’s affinity for Dickinson is evident in her creative work. In her acceptance speech at the Nashville Songwriters Association International in 2022, Swift likened her songwriting style to “a letter written by Emily Dickinson’s great-grandmother while sewing a lace curtain,” emphasizing her appreciation for Dickinson’s poetic legacy.

Album Releases and Poetic Allusions

The release of Swift’s ninth album, “Evermore,” on December 10, 2020, coinciding with Dickinson’s birthday, further underscores the connection between the two artists. Some fans speculate that the album’s title may have been inspired by a line from one of Dickinson’s poems, “One Sister Have I in Our House,” which contains the word “forevermore.”

Interpretations and Literary Parallels

Swift’s lyrics have often sparked comparisons to Dickinson’s poetic themes and imagery. For instance, the song “Ivy” from Swift’s “Evermore” album has been interpreted by some as alluding to Dickinson’s rumored romantic inclinations, particularly her supposed affection for her childhood friend, Sue Gilbert.

Acknowledgment in Popular Culture

Swift’s influence extends beyond her music, as evidenced by her song’s inclusion in the Apple TV+ series “Dickinson.” Showrunner Alena Smith revealed that Swift personally approved the use of her song in the show, further cementing the connection between Swift and Dickinson in popular culture.

Conclusion

While representatives for Swift have yet to comment on this revelation, the distant familial link between Taylor Swift and Emily Dickinson sheds light on the intertwined legacies of two influential figures in music and literature, bridging the gap between past and present in unexpected ways.