Taylor Swift gave a rare performance of "Ronan" at her Glendale, Arizona show this week. She wrote the song for a 4-year-old boy who died of cancer and dedicated the performance to the boy's family in attendance.
Swift wrote "Ronan" in 2012, inspired by blog posts written by Ronan's mom, Maya Thomson, who also shares songwriting credit for the song.
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She last performed the song that year for a Stand Up to Cancer telethon, and it has become even more personal for Swift following her mom's breast cancer diagnosis this year.
"And since then, I’ve had cancer hit really close to me in my family," Swift told the crowd. "So because Maya’s right there, I would like you to give her a round of applause, please.”
"I still can't believe tonight. I still can't believe you did this. This will forever be one of the most special moments of my life. Thank you @taylorswift for your beautiful heart and for never forgetting my Ro," Thompson wrote on Instagram. "I love you to the moon and back."
She also connected with fellow Swifties who showed their support for the local mom in the audience during the show.
Found these two little gems in a sea of people! #ronan #fucancer #1989tourglendale #nighttwo #allhailqueentaylor #swiftieforlife #shakeitoff #beboldgogold @sabrina5196 @brodsky_a A photo posted by Maya Thompson (@mamamaya) on Aug 19, 2015 at 12:10am PDT
And after the show, Swift had an emotional reunion with Ronan's family.
I love you. @taylorswift You have my heart for the rest of my life and beyond. #ronan #fucancer #swiftieforlife #allhailqueentaylor #1989 #rockstarronan #youaremyqueen @ronanfoundation #rotay #tayro A photo posted by Maya Thompson (@mamamaya) on Aug 17, 2015 at 11:41pm PDT