Carole King Stuns Music World: Hails Taylor Swift as “Inspiration” After Masters Victory—Songwriting Legend Praises Pop Star’s Bold Battle, Sparks Industry Uproar, and Ignites Debate Over Artists’ Rights—Is Swift’s Triumph the Start of a New Era for Musicians Fighting for Control of Their Work?

The ‘Tapestry’ musician reposted Swift’s May 30 post announcing that she now owns her entire music catalog

Taylor Swift (left) and Carole King at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2021.Credit : Kevin Mazur/Getty

In the days since announcing that she has regained control of her masters, Swift, 35, has received support from friends, admirers and colleagues — from Travis Kelce and Selena Gomez to, of course, millions of excited Swifties. But the pop superstar also received a nod from one of her idols — the Tapestry songstress herself.

After Swift shared the big news in an Instagram post on Friday, May 30, the legendary singer-songwriter, 83, reposted the announcement on her own account, and added a special message for the newly minted owner of her masters.

“You continue to inspire! 🩷🫶🎶,” King wrote on her Instagram Stories over a photo of Swift raising her hands up in celebration.

Taylor Swift (left) and Carole King at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2021.Kevin Mazur/Getty

And while Swift has not publicly reacted to the “Where You Lead” singer’s show of support, she was undoubtedly touched. King is a huge inspiration to the star, and has long been a staple in her home thanks to parents (and Carole King superfans) Scott and Andrea Swift.

While introducing King at the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the “Better Than Revenge” singer said that she “cannot remember a time when I didn’t know Carole King’s music.”

“I was raised by two of her biggest fans, who taught me the basic truths of life as they saw it: That you should treat people the way you want to be treated, that you must believe you can achieve whatever you want to in life and that Carole King is the greatest songwriter of all time,” Swift said at the time.

King smiled throughout Swift’s speech, and even laughed as the pop star (and proud owner of three felines) declared that King’s 1971 album Tapestry “was a watershed moment for humans in the world who have feelings — and for cats who had big dreams of one day ending up on iconic album covers.”

Taylor Swift (left) and Carole King at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2021.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Elsewhere during the speech, Swift also shared a bit of wisdom she gleaned from King that is perhaps more relevant now, in her career, than ever.

“Carole taught artists like me that telling your own story is worth the work and struggle it takes to earn the opportunity for your story to be heard,” the “Karma” singer said.

Prior to the 2021 induction ceremony — where Swift also performed a tribute to King, covering “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” — the two singer-songwriters crossed paths at other music industry events.

Carole King (left) and Taylor Swift at the 64th Annual BMI Pop Awards in 2016.Credit: Lester Cohen/Getty

Taylor Swift (left) and Carole King at the 2019 American Music Awards.Credit: Kevin Mazur/AMA2019/Getty

In 2016, the pair snapped a photo together at the 64th Annual BMI Pop Awards, and in 2019, King presented Swift with the Artist of the Decade Award at the American Music Awards, and the duo shared a hug onstage.

“Over the years, I’ve known some great songwriters and I’ve also known some great singers and performers. It’s rare to see all those talents in one person, but that defines Taylor Swift,” King said while presenting the award. “She is one of the only modern pop artists whose name appears as the sole songwriter in her song credits.”

“Her lyrics resonate across the generations, her songs touch everyone and her impact around the world is extraordinary,” the “I Feel the Earth Move” singer continued. “The past decade has been incredible for this brilliant artist, and the best is yet to come.”