Unveiling the Unbreakable Bond Between Taylor Swift and Hollywood Power Couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
Taylor Swift's enduring friendships with Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have spanned over several years, showcasing a bond that has stood the test of time Explore the milestones and moments that have solidified their connection from 2015 to the present
Taylor Swift's friendships with Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have been strengthening year after year. The former Gossip Girl star publicly expressed her admiration for Swift in September 2015, following accusations of her throwing shade at the renowned singer-songwriter.
"...To clarify, this photo I posted on Instagram was taken during a L'Oreal campaign shoot, not for John Legend's cover of Bad Blood," clarified the actress, addressing the misconception among social media users who believed she was mocking Swift's celebrity-packed music video."
Lively's humorous comment hinted at her deep admiration for Taylor Swift, as she affectionately referred to her as "Taylor Lively." She playfully suggested that they could hyphenate their last names, signifying a strong and lasting bond. Lively's introduction of Swift to her husband, Reynolds, was evident when the couple attended Swift's notorious 4th of July celebration in 2016.
Swift paid tribute to her friends' three oldest daughters, James, Betty, and Inez, by incorporating their names into the song "Betty" from her album Folklore released in July 2020. She also acknowledged the young girls during a concert in Philadelphia on The Eras Tour in May 2023, revealing that some of the characters in the song were actually named after real people in her life whom she deeply cherishes. Explore further for additional insights into their friendship.
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Inside Taylor Swift’s Friendships With Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
Spotted: Taylor Swift’s friendships with Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds growing stronger by the year.
In September 2015, the former Gossip Girl actress openly declared her admiration for Swift after facing accusations of criticizing the singer-songwriter. She shared a photo from a L'Oreal campaign shoot on Instagram, sarcastically stating that it was not a video shoot for John Legend's cover of Bad Blood.
Lively clarified the misunderstanding of social media users who believed she was mocking Swift's popular "Bad Blood" music video.
"Just to set the record straight, whoever thought I was throwing shade clearly lacks knowledge of my 'Taylor Swift Please Be My Wife Voo Doo Doll.' I am completely obsessed," Lively stated. "I adore my Canadian family nearly as much as I adore Taylor Lively, or rather, Swift. Fine, let's compromise and combine our last names with a hyphen. Forever Blake Swift-Lively. Hugs and kisses."
Lively is credited with introducing Reynolds to Swift, whom he married in 2012. The couple was seen together at Swift's infamous 4th of July party in 2016.
In her album Folklore released in July 2020, Swift paid tribute to Lively and Reynolds' three eldest daughters, James, Betty, and Inez, by including their names in the song "Betty". She even mentioned the young girls during a tour stop in Philadelphia in May 2023, revealing that some of the characters in "Betty" were named after real people she cherishes deeply.
Scroll through for more details of their friendship:
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December 2015
Lively and Swift got together in Australia after Lively cleared up that she wasn't throwing shade at Swift via Instagram. Swift shared a photo with Lively in December 2015, expressing how amazing their day off was, including roller coasters, kangaroos, and lots of laughter. Swift also mentioned that she would be seeing Lively later that night in Adelaide.
Credit: Courtesy Blake Lively/Instagram
December 2016
"Part 1 of 2: The People I Not Only Cherish Deeply, But Also Hold a Genuine Fondness for, Who Came Into This World Just Yesterday. @taylorswift, you are well aware of my emotions," Lively expressed, accompanied by a birthday self-portrait. (The second birthday tribute was dedicated to Bart Johnson, the spouse of Lively's sister, Robyn Lively.)
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July 2016
The spouses celebrated the 4th of July with Swift and then-boyfriend Tom Hiddleston.
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July 2017
Taylor Swift's relationship with Tom Hiddleston may not have stood the test of time. However, throughout this period, she had the unwavering support of her close friends, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. According to Us magazine, the trio accompanied the "Mean" singer and her new beau, Joe Alwyn, on a enchanting retreat in Rhode Island.
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November 2017
Lively and Reynolds’ eldest daughter, James, was featured at the top of Swift’s 2017 track, “Gorgeous.”
Reynolds commented on Good Morning America in 2018, saying, "A little intro there, yeah. That was a voice memo that ended up on a [Taylor Swift] song. It's pretty amazing. My daughter has a really, really terrible ego problem now after that song."
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July 2018
Lively and Reynolds were spotted jumping for joy when Swift sang “Gorgeous” at her concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The actress later called their freakout “embarrassing.”
"That was the genuine, unadulterated expression of our overwhelming pride as stage parents," she confessed to GMA during that September. "Our children lead remarkably ordinary lives, to the extent that such a thing is feasible. Accordingly, she wasn't even credited on the album. I should be receiving royalties!"
Credit: Courtesy Taylor Swift/Instagram
December 2019
Reynolds and Lively were in attendance at Swift’s 30th birthday party.
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July 2020
Swift revealed the depth of her connection to the couple in her eighth studio album, Folklore, with the release of a track titled "Betty." Within the song, Swift mentions the names of Lively and Reynolds' two eldest daughters, James and Inez, and also seemingly discloses the name of their third child, who arrived discreetly in 2019. The chorus includes the lyrics, "You heard the rumors from Inez / You can't believe a word she says."
The lyrics of the bridge go as follows: "As I strolled along the path of shattered cobblestones, my mind consumed by thoughts of you, a mirage of my darkest desires materialized before me. In a voice filled with reckless allure, she beckoned, 'James, hop in, let's embark on a journey.'"
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August 2020
In a radio interview, Swift confirmed the theory behind the name "Betty," reassuring listeners by saying, "I named all the characters in this story after my friend's kids, and I hope you like it!"
She also offered more insight into the song, stating, "He has lost the love of his life and doesn't know how to win it back. I believe we all encounter situations where we learn to genuinely apologize for the first time." Swift continued, "Everyone makes mistakes and messes up sometimes. This song was written from the viewpoint of a 17-year-old boy. I've always enjoyed the ability of music to allow us to embody different perspectives and sing from other people's points of view, and that's exactly what I did with this one."
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March 2021
During her acceptance speech for Album of the Year at the Grammys, Swift expressed her gratitude to the couple, extending a shout-out to "Betty, James and Inez" and their parents. Additionally, she made a special mention that once her boyfriend Alwyn, it is Lively and Reynolds who are privy to hearing her latest musical creations.
Credit: Courtesy of Bowen Yang/Instagram
November 2021
Reynolds, Swift's chosen photographer, captured this Instagram snapshot featuring Sadie Sink and Bowen Yang. Behind the scenes of Swift's SNL performance, Reynolds can be spotted in the mirror, documenting the moment. Both Reynolds and his wife paid a visit to the New York City studio to witness Swift's captivating rendition of "All Too Well." In the comments section, Lively made a delightful revelation, stating that she made a cameo appearance in the picture. "Who does that stunning foot belong to?!" she remarked, pointing out the dazzling blue heel located beside Reynolds.
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November 2021
Lively stepped into the role of a director with the music video for "I Bet You Think About Me" by the singer. Swift took to Instagram to share her excitement about collaborating with the talented and fearless @blakelively on her directorial debut. Get ready to join us in celebration and a little mischief as we raise our glasses, just a day before the video's premiere.
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June 2022
Swift made an appearance at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival where she participated in a discussion about her short film, All Too Well. Lively and Reynolds showed their support by attending the event as well. For her outfit, the songstress opted for a navy blue pinstripe waistcoat and matching trousers, which resembled the attire worn by Lively in her 2018 thriller, A Simple Favor.
Credit: Courtesy of Blake Lively/Instagram
September 2022
Lively shared snaps of her baby bump after announcing that baby No. 4 was on the way. One snap showed her hugging Swift.
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October 2022
Following the release of her 10th studio album, "Midnights," rumors circulated among fans that the popular "Maroon" singer had subtly referenced the upcoming arrival of Lively and Reynolds' fourth child.
In "You're On Your Own, Kid," Swift croons, "I witness the thrilling getaway, farewell, Daisy May / I plucked the petals, his affection turned cold," she melodiously sang on the song. "Something new blossomed, crafting in the solitude of my chamber / I perform my compositions in the parking lot."
Due to Swift's inclination to incorporate Lively and Reynolds' children's names into her music, spectators promptly deduced that the name "Daisy May" is likely to be chosen by the couple for their fourth child.
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November 2022
While expressing gratitude to her fans for their support of the "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)" music video, Swift pleasantly surprised everyone with a heartfelt mention of Lively when accepting the Favorite Pop Album award at the American Music Awards. Swift enthusiastically acknowledged Lively as the director of the music video for "I Bet You Think About Me" and paid tribute to her as not only a dear friend but also an incredibly talented individual.
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April 2023
The couple were spotted grabbing dinner with Swift in April 2023, a few weeks after the “Long Story Short” singer split from Alwyn.
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May 2023
Swift revealed during a 2023 concert in Philadelphia on The Eras Tour that some characters in her song "Betty" were actually named after beloved individuals in her life. Specifically, she gave a special shout-out to the couple's daughters, James and Inez, whom she adores immensely. Their names, along with the character Betty, hold a significant meaning for Swift.
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October 2023
Swift brought Reynolds and Lively to MetLife Stadium with a bunch of pals to watch Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs play the New York Jets.
