Watch Taylor Swift’s Mom Give a Moving Speech at the Country Music Awards

Most of us know that our moms are proud of us. But having your mom take the stage at the Academy of Country Music Awards to present your Milestone award is a whole different level!

Taylor Swift received the 50th Anniversary Milestone Award for Youngest ACM Entertainer Of The Year at the 2015 Academy of Country Music Awards.

Andrea Finlay spoke before presenting the award to her daughter Taylor, “I’ve watched this milestone artist from the time she was a tangled-haired little girl growing up on our farm, full of imagination and creativity, until right now, as she prepares for her next world tour,” Andrea, 57, began. “And ever since then, her favorite thing in the world to do has been to write a song, tell a story, play guitar or piano. And I’ve seen those things carry her through every emotion, every experience in her life, good or bad.”

“Now every once in a while, her dad, her brother, or I find ourselves to be the subjects of those songs. Sometimes we’re merely the inspiration — like the time she was 17 years old, and her dad and I strongly disapproved of a certain young man, and rightfully so. But she was mad, she was real mad. And she went to her room, and she closed the door, and she came out about an hour later with a song called ‘Love Story.'”

“For many years, I was her constant companion. And I witnessed a young girl with very few friends become one with many, learning to stand up for herself and the things she believes in. Being brave enough to explore her musical curiosity, having a voice against those who hate, and giving of herself to those in need.”

“Like many of you with children of your own, I am a very proud mom. So I’d like to thank the ACMs for honoring her in this way, but I’d also like to thank the entire music community for taking such good care of her. And to the fans, I know you love her as I love her, and for that I thank you eternally.”

Taylor revealed this month that her mom had been diagnosed with cancer on Tumblr. She wrote that it was her mom that wanted her to speak directly to fans about it to convince their own parents to get checked out! 

“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, ” Taylor wrote.

“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 wanted you to know because your parents may be too busy juggling everything they’ve got going on to go to the doctor, and maybe you reminding them to go get checked for cancer could possibly lead to an early diagnosis and an easier battle… Or peace of mind in knowing that they’re healthy and there’s nothing to worry about. She wanted you to know why she may not be at as many shows this tour. She’s got an important battle to fight.”

Collecting her award, Taylor Swift thanked the country music community for their support when she decided to move away from her country roots and explore pop music.

“So to the country community, when I told you I had made a pop album and wanted to go explore other genres, you showed me who you are with the grace you accepted that with,” Taylor said.

“I will never forget it. I’m so happy, so happy that I learned how to write songs in a town like Nashville. I’m so grateful that I learned what hard work is from my heroes who are all sitting here. And I’m so unbelievably proud that I learned to treat people with kindness and respect from country music. I love you so much. ”

“And to the fans, I will see you, I’ll see you right here in this exact stadium in The 1989 World Tour. See you soon. I love you.”