Some dreams are worth traveling the world for. For 89-year-old Swiftie, Barbara Strong, her love for Taylor Swift took her on an extraordinary adventure—a 5,000-mile trip to Paris to experience The Eras Tour live. What started as a late-night ticket hunt with her granddaughter turned into a once-in-a-lifetime journey, proving that music knows no age.

A Late-Night Ticket Hunt That Made a Dream Come True

Barbara and her granddaughter, Jennifer, were in New York visiting family when the second leg of Taylor Swift’s European tour tickets went on sale.

“It was the middle of the night because of the time difference,” Barbara recalled. “But we hit the internet the second they became available. We’ve got to make this happen, Jennifer said as we joined the virtual ticket line.”

After trying to stay awake, Barbara gave up and went to bed. But at 3 a.m., Jennifer burst into her room, turned on the lights, and screamed:

“Grammy, Grammy—I got the tickets!”

Video: 90-year-old goes viral for attending Taylor Swift concert in Paris

Excitement filled the room as they jumped up and down, celebrating like teenagers. It was official—they were going to Paris to see Taylor Swift on May 9, 2024.

A Swiftie Since 2009: A Connection That Runs Deep

Barbara’s love for Taylor Swift began in September 2009 when she watched the MTV Video Music Awards from her home in Dallas.

That night, Kanye West infamously interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech, a moment that shocked viewers worldwide.

“At first, I thought it was a stunt,” Barbara said. “Then I realized it wasn’t. How could he do that to that young, vulnerable, sweet girl?”

That moment sparked a connection. Barbara admired Swift’s grace and resilience, two qualities she values deeply.

Why Taylor Swift’s Music Resonates Across Generations

Barbara, who shares five sons, 12 grandchildren, and six granddaughters, quickly realized that her younger family members also loved Taylor.

“We listened to her music together,” she said. “She writes about loneliness, breakups, and pure happiness. She’s relatable because she sings about real emotions, things we all experience.”

Beyond the music, Barbara connected with Swift’s family values. Having spent years in Reading, Pennsylvania, the same town where Swift was raised, Barbara felt a personal connection.

“I loved that her parents were involved in her career. She’s all about family, and so am I.”

An Unforgettable European Getaway for a Concert Like No Other

The concert wasn’t just a quick trip—it was part of a week-long European adventure.

After securing the tickets, Barbara and her family planned a luxurious vacation across Amsterdam and Paris. They used travel points for business-class flights but splurged on $2,000-per-night five-star hotels in both cities.

Video: North Texas grandma describes spending 90th birthday at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour court in Paris

Attending the show were:

• Barbara Strong (89)
• Jennifer Strong (32), granddaughter
• Brianne Pattison (36), granddaughter
• Kay Strong (66), daughter-in-law

The Night of the Concert: A Swiftie’s Dream Come True

Nothing could have prepared Barbara for the electrifying atmosphere of The Eras Tour in Paris.

“It was one of the most exciting nights of my life,” she said. “Taylor has an incredible work ethic. She performed for three hours straight, changing costumes, dancing in high boots, and never missing a beat.”

Her favorite moments?

• “The Man” – A song that celebrates female empowerment, which deeply resonated with Barbara.
• “Shake It Off” – A track that had her on her feet, dancing non-stop.

“I was up so much, I thought I might tumble over the seats!” she laughed. “But I didn’t care—the energy in that stadium was unreal.”

The Viral Moment: An 89-Year-Old Dancing Swiftie

Barbara didn’t just watch the show—she became part of the moment.

A few days after the concert, a video of her dancing surfaced on Instagram. While her face wasn’t visible, the clip went viral, spreading across Swiftie communities worldwide.

“I love that young people saw that age doesn’t define fun,” she said. “We’re all here to enjoy life, and music brings us together.”

An Iconic Concert Outfit for an Iconic Night

No concert experience is complete without the perfect outfit.

Barbara chose a sparkly top from Anthropologie, paired with stylish yet comfortable pants.

“The top covered a multitude of sins for an 89-year-old lady,” she joked. “I felt fabulous.”

Why This Experience Meant So Much

For Barbara, this wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of life, music, and generational connections.

“Taylor Swift’s music unites people across generations,” she said. “It brought me closer to my granddaughters, gave me unforgettable memories, and reminded me that it’s never too late for adventure.”

Conclusion: Music Has No Age Limit

Barbara Strong’s 5,000-mile journey to see Taylor Swift in Paris is proof that passion for music transcends age.

At 89 years old, she danced, sang, and lived in the moment—just like every other Swiftie in the crowd.

Taylor Swift’s ability to connect generations through music is unmatched, and Barbara’s story is a reminder that no dream is too big, and no fan is too old.