Marjorie Finlay, Taylor Swift’s grandmother, was an opera singer whose remarkable talent and striking resemblance to the pop star herself left an indelible mark on Puerto Rican stardom. She captivated audiences with her enchanting vocals and charisma, hosting her own television show and leaving an unforgettable imprint on the music scene. Notably, her influence extended even further as she lent her extraordinary voice to one of Swift’s songs, adding a touch of familial connection to the renowned singer’s repertoire.

Marjorie Finlay, Taylor Swift’s maternal grandmother, tied the knot with Robert Finlay, Taylor’s maternal grandfather, in Palm Beach, Florida, back in 1952, as reported by People magazine. Their union brought forth Swift’s mother, Andrea, who was born in 1958, thus establishing a familial link that spans generations.

Marjorie Finlay, Taylor Swift’s grandmother, graced the stages of Puerto Rico as a luminous opera star, showcasing the rich musical legacy inherent in the Swift family. With her exceptional talent and classical training, she embarked on a journey across Latin America, enchanting audiences with her breathtaking performances alongside prestigious orchestras. Digging into her past, a 1952 newspaper clipping from the St. Louis Globe-Democrat unveiled a surprising facet of her life: her education at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, where she not only pursued her studies but also found herself immersed in the vibrant culture of sorority life. Marjorie Finlay’s story is a testament to the depth of talent and adventure that courses through the veins of the Swift lineage.

The same newspaper clipping also revealed that Swift’s grandmother had her own television show in Puerto Rico. It noted, “In San Juan [Puerto Rico], where the Finlays now live, [Marjorie Finlay] has had her own TV program, does concert, opera, and supper club singing.” According to the source, Finlay ventured into television in 1960, “when an American girl who spoke broken Spanish was needed for a Pan-American bilingual show aimed at bringing better understanding throughout the Americas through their music.” This insight sheds light on Marjorie Finlay’s multifaceted career, illustrating her role not just as a talented singer but also as a cultural ambassador fostering connections through music on the airwaves.

When Taylor Swift released her song “Marjorie,” inspired by her late grandmother, it stirred deep emotions among her fans, leaving many in tears, as reported by Buzzfeed. In a touching tribute, Swift not only honored her grandmother’s memory but also incorporated her vocals into the track. Sharing the process behind the song’s creation, Swift revealed, “My mom found a bunch of her old records of her singing opera, and I sent them to Aaron [Dessner] and he added them to the song.” She further explained the significance, saying, “It says, ‘If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were singing to me now,’ and then you hear her, you hear Marjorie actually sing.” This heartfelt gesture not only immortalized Marjorie’s voice but also underscored the profound connection between generations through music.

Buzzfeed further reports that Swift became emotional and broke down in tears while performing the poignant song during her Eras Tour in Arizona back in March.

While Swift’s grandmother undeniably garnered some fame as an opera singer before her passing in 2003 at the age of 74, it’s clear that she didn’t reach the same level of worldwide renown as her multi-Grammy award-winning granddaughter. Nevertheless, it’s certain that she would be immensely proud of Taylor Swift’s remarkable achievements and numerous milestones to date.

Tragically, according to Buzzfeed, Finlay wasn’t able to witness her granddaughter’s ascent to superstardom, as she passed away a year before Swift signed her first record deal at the age of 14. However, her legacy endures through Swift’s empowering music and poignant lyrics.