Taylor Swift is receiving praise from Elizabeth Taylor’s estate after releasing a new music video that pays tribute to the late Hollywood icon in a unique way.
Representatives for Taylor’s estate said they were “deeply moved” by Swift’s decision to create a video entirely from archival footage celebrating the Oscar-winning actress’s life and career.
Taylor Swift Honors Elizabeth Taylor With Archival Music Video
Swift, who is preparing for her upcoming wedding to Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce, released the video for her song “Elizabeth Taylor” from her album “Life of a Showgirl,” using only existing footage of the late star. The video includes clips from Taylor’s films such as “A Place in the Sun,” “Cleopatra,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “Father of the Bride.”
A representative for Taylor’s estate praised the approach, telling TMZ, “What makes this piece so remarkable is its pure devotion to Elizabeth’s legacy: composed entirely of archival film clips, from her iconic screen performances to candid moments, it is a celebration of Elizabeth from beginning to end, and an homage in the truest sense.”
The statement continued, “The estate is delighted by this celebration and the care with which Taylor Swift has spotlighted what so many have long understood: Elizabeth Taylor was a true icon, a trailblazer in every sense of the word.”
The video also includes references to Taylor’s personal style, including the 33-carat Krupp diamond ring given to her by Richard Burton.
Elizabeth Taylor Estate Responds to Tribute and Legacy
The estate emphasized Taylor’s lasting impact both on and off screen.
“She lived unapologetically and on her own terms, embracing her public life with grace and courage while fiercely protecting the private world she cherished with family and friends,” the representative said. “That balance, that duality, was one of her most remarkable qualities.”
The statement also drew a comparison between the two global figures.
“If there is anyone navigating the extraordinary pressures of global fame with comparable authenticity and strength, it is Taylor Swift. The estate is honored that she chose to pay tribute in this way, and have no doubt that Elizabeth would have loved every frame of it.”
According to the BBC, streaming royalties from the video will go to Taylor’s estate, which supports the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
The foundation states that Taylor became one of the first globally recognized celebrities to advocate for HIV and AIDS awareness. She founded the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in 1991 to support people living with HIV, and the organization continues its work today.
Taylor Swift Explains Inspiration Behind Elizabeth Taylor Song
Swift has spoken about her admiration for Taylor and the inspiration behind the track. In official album notes, Swift described Taylor as “one of the most ultimate, quintessential showgirls I could ever imagine.”
She added, “She was under a microscope so, so intense and she handled it with humour and she got along with her life. She continued to make incredible art and so this is a love song kind of through the lens of the motif of what she had to go through in her life and sort of the parallels that I feel in my own life.”
Swift also discussed reaching out to Taylor’s estate during an appearance on “BBC Radio 2.” “People like Elizabeth Taylor, we go to her estate and let them know,” she said. “And they were lovely about it.”
Taylor’s grandson, Quinn Tivey, also reacted positively to the tribute. He told Town & Country, “My family loves the song, and Grandma would have loved it too — I wish she could have heard it.”
He added, “Taylor Swift not only made a beautiful homage to Elizabeth Taylor, but it feels like she is addressing her directly while invoking her legacy in a way that is dimensional, confessional, honest and fun.”
Elizabeth Taylor died in March 2011 at age 79 after a career that included Academy Award-winning performances in “Butterfield 8” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
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