Taylor Swift's sweet friendship with 'redhead Abigail' who inspired iconic song

Ask any Taylor Swift fan about "red-head Abigail" and they'll launch into a rendition of 'Fifteen'.

Over a decade on from the release of the iconic 'Fearless' song, Taylor Swift fans still cherish the track. It's not just the music fans love, but the sweet story behind the hit. Inspired by Taylor's friendship with her high-school bestie, who remains one of her closest friends, it's a real-life 'Love Story'.

From Abigail's special Eras Tour shout-out to the time Taylor was a bridesmaid at her wedding, they've shared lots of milestones over the years. But where did it all begin? In English class.

Abigail inspired Taylor's song 'Fifteen'

Taylor Swift sings about her friendship with Abigail Anderson Berard in 'Fifteen'.

"You sit in class next to a redhead named Abigail / And soon enough you're best friends," she sings. Later in the song, she adds: "Back then I swore I was gonna marry him someday / But I realized some bigger dreams of mine / And Abigail gave everything she had / To a boy who changed his mind / And we both cried."

According to the singer, she wrote the song for her best friend who then encouraged her to release the track.

The friends attended the Grammy Awards together

Of course, in the years since the friends met, Taylor's been catapulted into the limelight, but she's remained close with Abigail. The duo regularly attend events together, like when they arrived arm in arm at the 2015 Grammy Awards. Taylor opted for a stunning blue gown while her friend sparkled in a shiny brown look, as seen in snaps from the night.

Abigal has supported Taylor's career time and time again

When she's not inspiring Taylor's songs or appearing in her music videos, Abigail loves posting about her bestie. She's clearly very proud of everything she's accomplished, as she regularly posts about the singer's projects on her Instagram.

When Taylor released her 2017 album 'Lover', for instance, she shared a gushing post. Abigail wrote: "15 years of knowing you and watching you grow, both as a human and an artist, I can honestly say I’ve never been more proud to call you my friend. I am completely inspired by everything that is you, @taylorswift. Congrats, buddy."

Taylor gave a speech at her best friend's wedding

Abigal married her first husband Matt Lucier in 2017, and her best friend was a big part of the celebrations.

Taylor acted as one of Abigal's bridesmaids, and she delivered a hilarious NSFW speech at the reception, according to reports. Taylor's other duties included carrying the train of the bride's dress. In other words, the two spent lots of time together on Abigail's big day.

Taylor performed 'Fifteen' for Abigail at the Eras Tour

Abigail attended the Eras Tour in Nashville in May 2023, and, naturally, there was only one surprise song fit for the occasion. Taylor's rendition of 'Fifteen' wasn't without surprises, though. She updated the lyrics as she paid tribute to her bestie. After the line, 'Abigail gave everything she had / To a boy who changed his mind/ And we both cried,' Taylor continued: "And that's alright." The moment, and Abigail's heartwarming reaction, quickly went viral.

Abigail used Taylor's lyrics to announce her pregnancy

While Abigail's relationship with Matt didn't work out, and they later separated, she found love again with Charles Berard. This summer, Abigail announced her pregnancy with her husband, and she included a sweet nod to her bestie.

Sharing the happy news on Instagram, Abigail drew inspiration from Taylor's song 'But Daddy I Love Him'. "I'm having his babyyyy…" she wrote, referencing the song's lyrics. Delighted, Taylor commented: "When the internet says ‘MOTHER’ I feel like this pic is actually what they mean."

Abigail and Charles have since welcomed a beautiful baby boy, named Bennett.