A recent study by genealogy experts has unveiled that celebrated American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift shares ancestral ties with King Louis XIV of France, a notable historical figure, as well as Hollywood star Johnny Depp. This intriguing connection was brought to light by Roi Mandel, the Director of Research at MyHeritage, during an interview with TODAY.com.
Taylor Swift, at the age of 34, is not only known for her musical talent but now also for her distinguished lineage. Research into her ancestry reveals that she is an eighth cousin 11 times removed of King Louis XIV. This lineage traces back to the French king renowned for his long and impactful reign from 1643 to 1715, during which he commissioned the construction of the Palace of Versailles, a symbol of royal absolutism and the center of French court life.
King Louis XIV, also known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, is one of the most memorable monarchs of the classical age of French monarchy. His reign is noted for the expansion of French influence in Europe and the centralization of power in the monarchy which he embodied. The Palace of Versailles stands as a testament to his grandiose vision, housing spectacular events and becoming a cultural hub during his reign. Louis XIV was also a patron of the arts, encouraging music, painting, and literature, which makes Swift’s ancestral connection to him particularly noteworthy given her musical career.
Additionally, Swift’s family tree reveals that she shares a kinship with actor Johnny Depp, identified as her seventh cousin once removed. This linkage adds another layer of celebrity to her familial background. The genealogical exploration also highlighted Swift’s connection to the early settlers who migrated from England to Massachusetts, marking a significant chapter in her lineage.
The revelation of these familial ties comes as Swift embarks on the European segment of her Eras Tour, celebrated by her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce with an elaborate display of Paris-themed gifts, despite his absence due to other commitments.
Moreover, genealogical records have connected Swift with another illustrious figure, the 19th-century American poet Emily Dickinson. They are reportedly sixth cousins, three times removed. This literary connection was subtly acknowledged by Swift herself in a speech, hinting at the influence of Dickinson’s style on her songwriting.
These discoveries, while not uncommon in the extensive interconnected histories of Europe’s royal families, are described by genealogists as both “amazing” and enriching for understanding the broad and interconnected tapestry that forms our collective past. This glimpse into Taylor Swift’s heritage not only enriches her personal story but also illustrates the fascinating weave of relationships that connects public figures through shared ancestry.
Image Source:
- King Louis XIV: Picryl
