Taylor Swift’s Backup Singer Details Cancer Journey Amid Eras Tour

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Taylor Swift‘s touring family is never on their own, kid.

Jeslyn Gorman understands this firsthand. The backup singer recently shared her experience with a cancer diagnosis and fighting the disease while also touring with the Eras Tour.

She revealed in the third episode of her Eras Tour: The End of an Era documentary, released on December 19th, that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She said that when she told Taylor Swift, Swift immediately rushed in, embraced her, and expressed her sympathy.

Jeslyn remembered how kind Taylor Swift and her mother, Andrea Swift, were after she received her diagnosis. Andrea specifically told her to focus on her own health, assuring her that they would be there for support whenever she was ready.

Jeslyn, who began working with Taylor Swift’s team during the 2018 Reputation tour, attempted to keep up her normal work while undergoing treatment.

It was incredibly difficult, but we kept performing every weekend. I continued traveling to each city for the shows, and during the week, when we weren’t on stage, I’d fly back to L.A. for tests and to figure out my treatment plan. Then, I’d immediately go back and perform as if everything was normal.

The performer chose to take a six-month break from her nearly two-year tour, which lasted from March 2023 to December 2024, to prioritize her well-being.

She explained that she had to step away for cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and surgery. She also dealt with swelling and skin problems. She used to have thick, curly hair, but lost about 75% of it, leaving her feeling and looking very different. During her treatment, she mostly watched the show through live streams and felt disconnected.

After finishing her cancer treatment and ringing the bell to celebrate, Jeslyn quickly focused on regaining her strength. Remarkably, she was performing on stage again just months after her diagnosis.

For Taylor’s part, she was shocked at how much work Jeslyn put in to return when she did.

She said she was amazed at how quickly she was back, especially to tackle such a challenging show. None of us could believe it, and I still find it incredible.

Looking back on the moment when her backup dancer shared the diagnosis, it shocked the entire crew.

Taylor explained that after singing together for about two years, Jeslyn’s illness was the first major emotional challenge for the group, and they were completely shocked by it.

Honestly, it broke my heart when she shared what happened. The whole fandom was a mess, just reeling. It wasn’t even what happened, it was the uncertainty of it all. But everyone, everyone, was behind her, sending all our love. We just wanted her to know, truly know, that if she ever decided she wanted to come back, to do what she wanted, the door was always, always open. We’d be here, no matter what.

For more celebs who’ve opened up about their cancer journeys, keep reading.

The former All My Children actor revealed in January 2025 that he has prostate cancer, marking his third time battling the disease.

After receiving difficult news, he happily shared in February 2025 – for the third time – that he was cancer-free thanks to successful surgery and treatment.

In a February 2025 Instagram post, he reminded his followers that difficult times don’t define who they are. He wrote that everyone is capable of more than their struggles. He personally shared that while he isn’t defined by his fears, anxieties, or past hurts, he accepts them as part of his journey, believing that acknowledging these things is the key to healing and growth.

The star of The Golden Bachelor announced in December 2024 that he has Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a type of bone cancer.

Gerry told People magazine that there’s no way to fix the condition, which has deeply affected every choice he makes. He described feeling completely overwhelmed when he first learned about it, like a huge weight had fallen on him, and admitted he initially struggled to accept it.

The actor, famous for his work in The Boys and Supernatural, announced on February 3, 2023, that he had successfully fought prostate cancer and was now cancer-free after years of battling the disease.

The Vanderpump Rules star shared with fans at the end of 2018 that she had some cancer removed and underwent biopsies of her lymph nodes. She happily announced that she was now cancer-free.

In September 2018, the actress known for Desperate Housewives publicly shared that she had overcome anal cancer. She posted on Instagram that revealing her diagnosis and the resulting hair loss made her feel incredibly relieved, free, and authentically herself.

Two-time Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman successfully completed cancer treatment. His representative confirmed to TopMob News that doctors declared him cancer-free after surgery.

Hugh Jackman, known for his role in X-Men, received treatment for his third case of basal cell carcinoma in 2014. His representative later confirmed to TopMob News that he has fully recovered.

In April 2023, Hugh received two biopsies after discovering more basal cell carcinomas. He used the opportunity to remind his fans in the northern hemisphere to protect their skin with sunscreen as summer approached.

The former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marked a year of being cancer-free in January. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2013 and had a complete hysterectomy as treatment.

Then in 2017, Camille had surgery to remove Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. 

The celebrity chef from Britain revealed he had skin cancer treated with a procedure. He shared photos showing stitches from below his ear to his jaw, which he later concealed with a bandage.

Gordon shared on Instagram in August 2025 that he was thankful for the amazing team at The Skin Associates who quickly removed his Basal Cell Carcinoma. He also reminded everyone to wear sunscreen this weekend.

“I promise you it’s not a face lift,” he added. “I’d need a refund…”

The actress known for her role in Avengers: Age of Ultron fought ovarian cancer at 25 and later had two children with her husband, Taran Killam, despite the challenges.

A television personality has shared that he had surgery for prostate cancer in July 2013 and has been cancer-free ever since.

The cohost of Dancing with the Stars recently had successful surgery to treat thyroid cancer. She shared on Twitter, thanking everyone for their support and letting fans know she’s now home, recovering and resting.

The actress shared fantastic news on Twitter: her doctor called her on a Saturday morning to say she’s cancer-free! She celebrated with a joyful post, exclaiming, “#wootothemotherfkinhoo!”

After undergoing treatment, including a double mastectomy, the star of Up All Night received a clean bill of health and is now free of breast cancer.

The Dexter star used a hiatus from his hit series to slay Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In October 2011, the Australian actress shared that she had a cancerous mole removed from her calf. She explained that her husband had urged her to get the mark checked by a doctor because it looked concerning.

The man from Scotland is doing well after doctors successfully removed a cancerous mole from under his right eye.

The singer beat breast cancer in 2004 with a “minimally invasive” lumpectomy and radiation therapy.

The Oscar winner declared in early 2011 that his tumor was gone and he had throat cancer “beat.”

The Emmy winner whacked breast cancer in 2004.

After having skin cancer removed from under his left eye in 2008, the CNN journalist almost certainly protects his skin with sunscreen when he’s outside.

The Australian pop star underwent successful surgery for breast cancer in 2005.

The actor from 7th Heaven received a Hodgkin’s disease diagnosis at just 28 years old. Now 50, he’s doing well!

The actress, known for her role on ER, stepped away from Parenthood in 2009 to battle breast cancer. Thankfully, her treatment worked, and she quickly returned to public events.

The America’s Got Talent judge received a colon cancer diagnosis in 2002 while filming The Osbournes. She used this experience to highlight the need for regular check-ups and bravely fought the disease with chemotherapy. Thankfully, she was declared cancer-free the next year.

I’ll never forget when Jack Palance beat prostate cancer back in 2003 – it was truly inspiring! And can you believe, after that, he went on to appear in around 400 more films? The man was a legend, a total powerhouse until the very end.

In 2007, the Good Morning America cohost bravely showed off her shaved head while receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

After overcoming stage-four testicular cancer, the cyclist remarkably went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France championships.

After successfully battling breast cancer with a lumpectomy and chemotherapy in 2005, the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist became a dedicated advocate for others.

The comedian, known for her work on Saturday Night Live, bravely turned her experience with breast cancer into humor, which became the basis for her acclaimed one-woman show, God Said Ha!, that later played on Broadway.

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2025-12-19 22:20