Taylor Swift recently revisited her country music roots for a heartwarming charitable act. During her holiday donation spree, she bestowed a "generous gift" upon The Store, a Tennessee-based nonprofit founded by Brad Paisley and his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley. The organization expressed their immense gratitude in a January 13 social media post, stating: "We're incredibly grateful to Taylor Swift for including The Store in her year-end giving. Her generous gift helps us continue providing groceries with dignity and choice to families across Middle Tennessee, especially as we prepare to open our second location. Thank you, Taylor, for using your voice and generosity to uplift neighbors in need."
Indeed, Brad's nonprofit offers a completely free shopping experience in Tennessee, allowing those in need to purchase food and other necessities at no cost. While Taylor has also donated to Feeding America, the American Heart Association, and ACM Lifting Lives in the past month, her gift to Brad's organization holds a special personal significance. Back when Taylor was just 16, she opened for Brad's tour after releasing her debut album. As Brad recalled to Entertainment Weekly in 2007, "Taylor Swift was one that I called my manager when I heard her album and said, 'We have to get her out on tour.' And for her to have written that record at 16, it's crazy how good it is."
Taylor even dived right into Brad's typical antics when she joined his Bonfires & Amplifiers tour. She even pulled a prank on the country crooner during his hit "Ticks." "I went online and ordered these giant tick costumes—like big, giant sumo-wrestler-looking tick costumes—and Kellie [Pickler] and I dressed up in them and ran out on stage, dancing all around him," Taylor recalled to Entertainment Weekly at the time. "And then Jack Ingram, the other opening act, came out in this white exterminator suit halfway through the song, with a sprayer, and proceeded to 'kill' us on stage."
This touching story not only showcases Taylor's generosity but also highlights the strong bond she shares with the country music community. Through her donations and her involvement inBrad's tour, Taylor continues to use her platform to uplift and support those in need.
