13 Fascinating Facts About Taylor Swift You Might Not Know

Taylor Swift has captivated millions of fans worldwide with her music, but there's much more to this iconic artist than what meets the eye. Here are 13 intriguing facts about Taylor Swift that even dedicated Swifties might not be familiar with.

1. Her Grandmother Was an Opera Singer

Taylor's love for music might be hereditary. Her maternal grandmother, Marjorie Finlay, was a professional opera singer who performed throughout her life. This musical lineage helped shape Taylor's early appreciation for different musical styles and performance.

2. She Wrote a Novel During Her Teens

Before becoming a global superstar, Taylor channeled her creativity into writing. During her early teens, she completed a 350-page novel about her high school experiences and friendships. Though unpublished, this early work demonstrates her storytelling abilities that would later shine in her songwriting.

3. She Has a Special Connection to the Number 13

While many know 13 is Taylor's lucky number, few understand how deeply this connection runs. Born on December 13th, her first album went gold in 13 weeks, and she often drew the number on her hand before performances as a good luck charm.

4. She's a Skilled Programmer

In recent years, Taylor has revealed an interest in coding. She has studied programming and has expressed admiration for women in tech. This lesser-known skill showcases her diverse interests beyond music.

5. Her Early Poetry Won National Recognition

At age 12, Taylor won a national poetry contest for her poem "Monster in My Closet." This early recognition of her writing talents predated her musical success and highlighted her gift with words.

6. She Has a Secret Culinary Specialty

Despite her busy schedule, Taylor enjoys cooking and has developed expertise in making chai sugar cookies with eggnog icing. She often makes these treats for friends during the holiday season and has shared that baking helps her relax between tour dates.

7. She's Donated to Public Libraries

Education and literacy are important causes for Taylor. She has made significant donations to various public libraries across the country, particularly in Nashville and Reading, Pennsylvania, reflecting her love of literature and commitment to educational access.

8. She Has a Background in Theater

Before focusing exclusively on music, Taylor performed in several local theater productions, including roles in "Grease" and "Annie." These early performance experiences helped develop her stage presence long before stadium tours.

9. She Created a Special Language with Her Childhood Friend

As a child, Taylor and her best friend developed their own secret language complete with unique words and phrases. This creative endeavor foreshadowed her later linguistic creativity in songwriting.

10. She Has a Collection of Polaroid Cameras

Taylor has a passion for vintage photography and owns an extensive collection of Polaroid cameras. This hobby influenced the aesthetic of her "1989" album, which included Polaroid-style photos with each physical copy.

11. She's a Certified Cat Lady

While her love for cats is well-known, few realize the extent of her feline expertise. Taylor has studied cat behavior and often incorporates cat-friendly designs into her homes, including custom-built wall fixtures and cat walkways.

12. She Learned Horseback Riding as a Child

Growing up on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania, Taylor learned horseback riding at a young age. She named her first horse Ginger and has mentioned that those early riding experiences taught her about responsibility and dedication.

13. She's a History Buff

Taylor has a particular interest in American history and the British monarchy. She often reads historical biographies while on tour and has referenced historical events in some of her less mainstream songs and personal writings.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Taylor's music, these lesser-known facts provide a glimpse into the multifaceted person behind the global superstar. Her diverse interests and talents continue to influence her creative work, making her one of the most fascinating artists of our time.