A nine-year-old Taylor Swift fan, who went viral after spending a special moment on stage with the star, has died following her cancer diagnosis.
Scarlett Oliver from Perth, Australia, shared a hug with Swift that was spread widely online during a Sydney date on the Eras Tour earlier this year.
Taylor routinely hands out a signed hat during her song ‘22’, and after Scarlett’s family made a social media plea, the young girl was successful in receiving the honour, with Swift taking the time to embrace her.
Scarlett’s father Paul announced that his daughter had passed away just days before her 10th birthday, having been diagnosed with a rare brain cancer known as high-grade glioma, which has no cure.
Scarlett’s stepmother Natalie posted on Instagram to confirm the tragic news, with a message from her father that reads: “My angel, so strong, so brave, so beautiful.”
“Nothing will ever be the same again. Don’t forget me and please find a way to let me know you are ok. Goodnight baby, I love you – Dad.”
Scarlett attended Swift’s show at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on February 23. The day before, Natalie had posted a message on Facebook, with a photo of Scarlett holding a sign reading, “Taylor, can I have the 22 hat? Please”.
Natalie’s caption read: “I’m hoping to make this happen for my beautiful step-daughter but I need some help!! Scarlett is a nine-year-old from Perth and she was diagnosed in October last year with a high grade glioma — this is a very aggressive brain cancer with no cure. The prognosis given to use was 12-18 months from diagnosis. She has been an absolute warrior through surgeries, radiation and other treatments.”
That message was spread online, apparently reaching Swift and her team, who organised for Scarlett to be taken to the front of stage. The video of their hug was later shared online, too, being viewed over 30 million times.
Scarlett Oliver receives a hat from Taylor Swift during her performance at Accor Stadium on February 23, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)
The following day, Natalie reacted to the special moment: “@taylorswift you are AMAZING!! Thank you so much for making Scarlett’s dream come true!! To everyone who shared her story to help us make this happen we are beyond greatful!!! Scarlett is on top of the world right now!! I’m so emotional and happy this morning”
The post Nine-year-old Taylor Swift fan dies after cancer diagnosis, following viral moment with star appeared first on NME.
