Taylor Swift Performs 'Ronan' Live, Breaks Down, & Talks Mom's Cancer Battle

Ronan's mother, Maya Thompson, was in attendance at the show, sparking Swift's performance. Leading up to the heartbreaking track (on which Thompson shares writing credits), Swift opened up about her personal connection to cancer.

"I've had cancer hit really close to me in my family," Swift said, fighting back tears. "And... so because Maya is right there, I'd like for you to give her a round of applause."

Thompson herself also posted the heartwarming introduction on her Instagram, thanking Swift for her kind words and special performance.

The song "Ronan" was released in 2011 and performed only once live before at a StandUp2Cancer benefit that year. The single took words from Thompson's blog, where she detailed 3-year-old Ronan's battle with cancer.

Swift's own mother, Andrea Swift, is battling cancer. Swift made the announcement on her blog earlier this year, asking for privacy as her mom fights the disease. "For Christmas this year, I asked my mom that one of her gifts to me be her going to the doctor to get screened for any health issues, just to ease some worries of mine. She agreed, and went in to get checked. There were no red flags and she felt perfectly fine, but she did it just to get me and my brother off her case about it.

"The results came in, and I'm saddened to tell you that my mom has been diagnosed with cancer. I'd like to keep the details of her condition and treatment plans private, but she wanted you to know," she wrote.

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Taylor Swift