This article, written as-told-to, is based on a discussion with Nancy Strong. It has been condensed to improve clarity and length.
Back in October of last year, when tickets for Taylor Swift’s second leg of her tour, The Eras Tour, were released in Europe, my granddaughter Jennifer and I were in New York visiting my brother.
Due to the time difference, it was now the middle of the night. However, we jumped on the internet as soon as they were made available. Jennifer replied, “We have to make this happen,” as we logged into the virtual ticket queue.
I tried to stay up as late as I could, but eventually I gave up and went to bed. Jennifer then stormed into my room at roughly three in the morning, turned on the lights, and exclaimed, “Grammy, Grammy— I got the tickets!”
Naturally, I let out a loud cry as soon as I got out of bed. It was ridiculously enjoyable. We gave a high five. On May 9, 2024, we were going to see Taylor in Paris.
Since September 2009, when I watched the MTV Music Video Awards at home in Dallas, I’ve been a Swiftie.
Regretfully, it was the notorious evening when Kanye West stormed the stage, seized the mic, and cut short her acceptance speech.
I was initially perplexed and assumed it was some sort of prank. It wasn’t, I realised then. “How could he do that to that young, vulnerable, sweet girl?” I pondered.
I identified with Taylor Swift.
Strong is my last name, and I’m worthy of it. I’m against bullying, thus I thought Taylor did a great job handling things.
My curiosity was piqued by the situation. I learned that she had grown up in Reading, Pennsylvania, having been born there. I had a strong attachment to Reading since I lived there with my 93-year-old husband, Asa, throughout the 1960s, when our five sons were born.
There was an association. My admiration for Taylor grew as I read more about her. Her parents’ involvement in her career and her strong emphasis on family pleased me.
Twelve grandchildren, six of whom are females, are a blessing. They told me how much they related to Taylor as a successful young woman and how much she encouraged them.
Together, we listened to her songs. We cherished the way she used her music to write about her own life. Her songs on loneliness, breakups, and unadulterated happiness made her approachable. Her personal experiences mirrored theirs, so people could relate to her.
It was obvious that I would want to visit Taylor in Paris with Jennifer when she asked. I’ve been flying all over the world and running a travel firm for about 50 years. The Arctic, Antarctica, and several South American nations are the only regions I haven’t visited. Even though I turn 90 in August, I can’t stop moving.
It’s Europe that I adore. We bought the €190 ($205) tickets for Taylor and then planned a week-long trip to Amsterdam and Paris. We used points to cover the cost of our business class travel, but we also spent $2K a night in five-star hotels in each destination. My daughter-in-law, Kay Strong, 66, another granddaughter, 32-year-old Jennifer, and I made up the five of us that attended the event.
I was dancing so much that I felt like I might pass out.
One of the most thrilling evenings of my life was that one. Taylor works extremely hard. She entertained us the entire time, appearing on at 8 p.m. and going out at 11 p.m. I have no idea how she changed those garments and turned up wearing such high boots.
“The Man” is my favourite song; “Shake It Off” is my second favourite. When they were mentioned, I lost my mind. I was standing so much that I thought I might topple over the chairs. It was a fantastic atmosphere. I had a great time watching the crowd let out their screams.
Regarding my attire, I wore trousers I purchased from Anthropologie over a glittery shirt. The 89-year-old woman’s numerous sins were concealed by the top. I was feeling fantastic.
I danced in an Instagram video that someone uploaded a few days after the concert. My face is hidden, yet the video got viral. I’m glad that younger generations are aware that older individuals who enjoy having fun still exist.