Kenny Chesney took to social media Wednesday (December 6th) to congratulate Taylor Swift on being named Time’s 2023 Person of the Year.
He wrote, “Taylor, I knew looking in your eyes that first time on stage with us, you had 'it.' The hunger, that something special… A gift not everyone has to connect. It’s been awesome watching you shine! I’m glad TIME sees what I’ve always loved about your music, your art and you as a human being. I’m so proud of you and I love you.”
Swift told Time that she was supposed to open for Chesney when she was 17-years-old but had to back out because the sponsor was a beer company. The country star made it up to her by sending a check for her 18th birthday.
Swift recalled, “It was for more money than I’d ever seen in my life. I was able to pay my band bonuses. I was able to pay for my tour buses. I was able to fuel my dreams.”