Selena Gomez Reveals the Real Reason Behind Her Epic Bonding with Taylor Swift and Squad at Star-studded 4th of July Bash

Taylor Swift revived her legendary Independence Day celebration on Tuesday, July 4th — precisely what her friend Selena Gomez craved.

“Sometimes you yearn for the company of influential, compassionate, and courageous women. I desperately needed that," expressed Gomez, 30, on Instagram on Saturday, July 8, while sharing pictures from the event.

The star of "Only Murders in the Building" shared more photos from the gathering on her Instagram Story. Among them was a solo picture of Swift, 33, in her backyard. Swift, known for her album "Speak Now," has been hosting an annual 4th of July gathering at her mansion in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, since 2014. She purchased the property a year before. Over the years, Swift has invited her closest friends, such as Blake Lively, Gigi Hadid, Cara Delevingne, and Gomez, to join her in celebrating the occasion with some fun under the sun.

Swift, accompanied by Gomez, the Haim sisters (Danielle, Alana, and Este), and a few other friends, shared a post on her Instagram on Friday, July 7, wishing a belated Independence Day with pictures of the group posing together and enjoying patriotic popsicles.

Courtesy of Selena Gomez/Instagram

Swift and Gomez have been close friends since 2008 amid their respective flings with brothers Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas.

"I knew from the moment I met [Selena] that I would always be there for her," Swift revealed to the Wall Street Journal in January 2020. "In my life, I possess the capacity to forgive those who have harmed me. However, I question if I can forgive someone who harms her."

Despite the eventual end of both women's romantic relationships, their friendship remained strong. Gomez, in particular, even made appearances at several of Swift's Eras Tour concerts earlier this year.

Courtesy of Taylor Swift/Instagram

In April, the former Disney Channel star took to Instagram to express her gratitude to her best friend for allowing her and her younger sister, Gracie, to enter a mesmerizing and enchanting world. She expressed her pride in knowing her best friend and assured her of their eternal love and devotion.

Gracie, who was born to Gomez's mother, Mandy Teefey, and her husband, Brian Teefey, in 2013, was even gifted with the same hat that Swift wears during the "1989" section of her show. In addition, the young girl wore a replica of Swift's purple dress from the "Speak Now" tour and exchanged beaded bracelets with the pop star.

Since March, Swift has been on her first live concert tour since 2018, showcasing the various "eras" of her career. The tour continued on Friday night in Kansas City, where she celebrated the release of her album "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)" by premiering the music video for her song "I Can See You."

To enhance the music video's premiere, Swift invited its notable stars - Taylor Lautner, Joey King, and Presley Cash - to engage with the audience.

"Allow me to introduce the first person who appeared in the 'Mean' music video at the age of 9. She has since become quite significant: Joey King!" Swift exclaimed on stage, as seen in concert footage, proceeding to embrace each other in a heartwarming hug.

In the OG video for "Mean," which is a track from Taylor Swift's 2010 album "Speak Now," King, who is now 23 years old, made an appearance. This was due to her role as Ramona Quimby in the movie "Ramona and Beezus" released in the same year. Gomez, on the other hand, portrayed King's older sister, Beezus, in the film.