Move aside, karma—Taylor Swift may have a new bestie. After all, the “Life of a Showgirl” singer penned an essay about Dakota Johnson, detailing what makes her such a great person and friend. In an essay for Time, which chose Dakota as one of their 100 Most Influential People of 2026, Taylor shared, “As her friend, I can vouch for her authenticity.” She added, “But more than that, she’s one of the most empathetic people I’ve ever known.”
The 36-year-old praised Dakota for her “refreshing honesty in a world of media-trained answers,” noting, “Maybe it’s her sing-song vocal delivery, serenely answering questions with such frank candor that it makes you feel like maybe this girl just…can’t lie!”
Though the pair have kept their friendship mostly out of the spotlight, Taylor and Dakota have been spotted grabbing dinner together on various occasions alongside other celebrity pals like Cara Delevingne, Suki Waterhouse, and Zoë Kravitz since 2016. And their quality time has clearly forged a beautiful connection between the singer and actress.
“Maybe it’s true that she can’t lie,” Taylor continued. “But I’ll tell you a few more things she can’t do. She can’t stop asking people questions about their lives, endlessly curious about everyone else’s human experience.” She added, “She can’t stop challenging herself, taking newer and bolder risks like building her production company TeaTime Pictures. She can’t stop exploring the most intricate relationship complexities.”
In the end, Taylor sees Dakota as someone leaving a powerful legacy. “Captivating in front of the screen and inquisitive behind it,” she concluded, “her unfailing truthfulness helps to shape her ever-evolving storytelling into art that feels as real and timeless as she is.”
Meanwhile, Dakota previously hinted at her bond with Taylor while hosting Saturday Night Live in 2024. During her opening monologue, the Madame Web actress showed a picture of herself in the crowd of SNL’s 40th anniversary special seated near Taylor and then-newly-elected President Donald Trump. Then Dakota quipped, “It’s just crazy to be standing so close to someone who would become the most powerful person in America” as the camera panned to the “Lavender Haze” singer.
