Taylor Swift’s Triumph: Carole King Celebrates the Pop Star’s Victory in Reclaiming Her Music

A Generational Bond Between Icons as the “Tapestry” Legend Applauds Swift’s Historic Win Over Her Masters

Taylor Swift’s unwavering battle for ownership of her music has reached a momentous high — and one of her songwriting heroes, the legendary Carole King, is among the many voices applauding her success.

On May 30, Swift announced that she officially owns her entire music catalog, a victory years in the making after her public feud with music executive Scooter Braun over the rights to her first six studio albums. In response, Carole King, the iconic Tapestry singer-songwriter and an enduring influence on Swift, shared the post on her Instagram Stories with a heartfelt message:
“You continue to inspire! 🩷🫶🎶”

It was a short but powerful statement from a musical pioneer whose work has shaped generations — including Swift’s own journey as an artist.

A Full-Circle Moment

Carole King’s support isn’t just symbolic; it carries the weight of a decades-long mentorship, even if unofficial, through music. Taylor Swift has long credited King as one of her biggest inspirations, thanks to her parents, Scott and Andrea Swift, who are self-proclaimed superfans of the Tapestry artist.

At the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where Swift had the honor of introducing King, she reflected on that influence:
“I cannot remember a time when I didn’t know Carole King’s music,” Swift said.
She described how her parents raised her with three core beliefs: treat people kindly, work hard to achieve your dreams — and that “Carole King is the greatest songwriter of all time.”

King, then 79, beamed with pride as Swift honored her, even laughing as the pop star quipped that King’s 1971 album Tapestry was a defining moment not only for humans with feelings but also “for cats who had big dreams of one day ending up on iconic album covers.”

Shared Stages, Shared Values

The public connection between Swift and King has been growing steadily over the years. They first crossed paths at industry events like the 64th Annual BMI Pop Awards in 2016 and later at the 2019 American Music Awards, where King presented Swift with the coveted Artist of the Decade award.

“Over the years, I’ve known some great songwriters and I’ve also known some great singers and performers,” King said at the time.
“It’s rare to see all those talents in one person, but that defines Taylor Swift.”

She praised Swift for being one of the few modern pop stars who frequently writes her songs solo, adding,
“Her lyrics resonate across the generations, her songs touch everyone and her impact around the world is extraordinary.”

The Legacy of Storytelling

Beyond shared accolades and public appearances, the thread connecting these two artists is their deep belief in the power of personal storytelling through music.

In her Hall of Fame tribute, Swift emphasized one of the most profound lessons she had learned from King:
“Carole taught artists like me that telling your own story is worth the work and struggle it takes to earn the opportunity for your story to be heard.”

That statement has come full circle. Swift’s re-recording journey — from Fearless (Taylor’s Version) to 1989 (Taylor’s Version) — and now, the announcement that she has reclaimed her full master recordings, stands as a resounding declaration of agency and artistic freedom.

A Moment for the Ages

As fans around the world — and fellow stars like Travis Kelce and Selena Gomez — celebrate Swift’s win, Carole King’s recognition stands out as a powerful nod from one generation-defining artist to another.

With King’s blessing and a full catalog under her control, Swift not only reclaims her past — she charts an empowered future for every artist who dreams of owning their voice, their vision, and their art.

“The best is yet to come,” King said of Swift in 2019.
Today, that prophecy rings truer than ever.