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Taylor Swift paid tribute to Alan Jackson with a heartfelt message celebrating the country icon’s legendary career, but the emotional moment quickly became overshadowed after video appeared to capture a mix of cheers and boos from the crowd.
The reaction came during Jackson’s “Last Call: One More for the Road — The Finale” concert, where Swift appeared in a prerecorded video tribute honoring the country legend rather than attending the show in person.
“It’s Taylor,” Swift began in the video. “I just want to say thank you for your decades of unbelievable songwriting and your performances and the way that means so much to us, the fans.”
Swift praised Jackson for his song “Drive.” Released in January 2002 as the second single from his album of the same name, Jackson wrote it as a tribute to his father, Eugene “Daddy Gene” Jackson, who died in 2000. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and remains one of his signature recordings.
ALAN JACKSON RETIRES FROM TOURING AFTER 30 YEARS ON THE ROAD
Taylor Swift honored Alan Jackson at his farewell concert. (Getty Images)
“In that song, you paint such a picture and let us into the details of your life,” Swift explained. “I know that was an example that was so good for me to see at a young age, an artist who’s really just letting fans into the details of his life.”
“I appreciate you so much for the ways that you have just treated me and other artists and writers with… such support and encouragement over the years,” she continued. “I am so excited for you doing this show and just appreciate you so much. Love you.”
Swift’s message was met with what appeared to be a mix of cheers and boos, according to a viral TikTok video. “Not the reaction they were expecting I’m assuming,” the creator captioned the clip.
“Now do the video showing how they cheered so loudly,” one user commented.
Another added, “There was applause, and later boo’s [sic]. They booed longer so they can go viral.”
Taylor Swift’s prerecorded tribute to Alan Jackson seemingly received mixed reactions. (Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)
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Others decided it was insulting, not just to Swift but to Jackson as well.
“imagine booing someone giving a tribute to the person you’re AT THE CONCERT FOR they weren’t disrespecting Taylor, they were disrespecting Alan.”
“Absolutely insulting to her and especially to Alan Jackson,” another said.
Alan Jackson’s “Last Call: One More for the Road — The Finale” celebrated the end of his touring career. (Jason Kempin/Unknown)
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Taylor Swift congratulates Alan Jackson on his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the 41st Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Oct. 16, 2011. (Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images)
Swift has long cited Jackson as one of the country artists she admired growing up, and the two have shared several notable moments over the years. One of the most memorable came in 2008, when Swift performed Jackson’s emotional hit “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” as part of “CMT Giants: Alan Jackson,” a television special honoring his career.
Swift also honored Jackson at the 2011 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony, performing his 9/11 anthem “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” as part of the tribute celebrating his songwriting achievements.
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