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Taylor Swift's recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert offered a wide-ranging look at the people she leans on, the values guiding her career, and the mindset she carries into her next chapter. While promoting her upcoming docuseries The End of an Era, the singer spoke openly about the figures who help shape her decisions and the lessons she has gathered along the way.
Swift explained that she tries to "find throughlines in many people's experiences," noting that even when lives look different on the surface, there is still room for connection. She told Colbert that she avoids slipping into the idea that "there's no one that can relate to what I'm going through," instead choosing to look outward for perspective. From there, she named three people who have become key voices in her life: Stevie Nicks, Max Martin, and Travis Kelce.
Her connection with Nicks stretches back years, beginning with their joint performance of "Rhiannon" and "You Belong with Me" at the 2010 Grammys, which Swift once described as a "fairy tale and an honor." On Colbert's show, she emphasized how much that bond continues to matter, saying, "I have Stevie Nicks in my life in a way that affects me positively constantly." She highlighted what it means to speak with Nicks and hear about the path she carved, adding that the Fleetwood Mac icon "paved the way for me and many other artists out there." Swift also said she feels that Nicks has shared a "magical, wonderful, wise approach" with her over time.
Beyond Nicks, Swift called Max Martin "one of the greatest, most legendary creators," praising his ability to continually reinvent himself. His longevity, she said, represents the kind of lasting creativity she studies closely. She also pointed to Kelce as someone she relies on, saying, "I can talk to him about any of this," and noting that although her list wasn't in order, he is the person she speaks with most.
The conversation also touched on her commitment to staying active in her work despite criticism. Swift said she values "career longevity, friendship longevity, longevity in their relationships," and pushed back at those who suggest artists should step aside,
remarking, "Give someone else a turn... Can't you just go away so that we can talk about how good you were?... I don't want to."
The End of an Era premieres Dec. 12 on Disney+.
