Taylor Swift has welcomed her most personal surprise concert guest yet.
The superstar performed her 2012 song "Ronan" during a stop in Glendale, Ariz., on Monday, and revealed that her co-writer for the heartfelt tune was there to hear it live.
Maya Thompson, whose son, Ronan, died of neuroblastoma in 2011, was present for the sold-out show and shared her gratitude for Taylor's tribute.
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A video posted by Maya Thompson (@mamamaya) on Aug 17, 2015 at 11:28pm PDT
"I still can't believe tonight. I still can't believe you did this. This will forever be one of the most special moments of my life," Maya wrote on Instagram, captioning a photo of Taylor's performance. "Thank you @taylorswift for your beautiful heart and for never forgetting my Ro. I love you to the moon and back."
Maya had documented Ronan's illness on her blog, Rockstar Ronan, which Taylor used to craft the song's lyrics. Prior to Monday’s concert, the 25-year-old had only performed "Ronan" once during a 2012 Stand Up To Cancer telethon.
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"Ronan" now has even more emotional resonance for Taylor, since her own mother was diagnosed with cancer in April. The singer credited Maya for educating her about the disease.
"I wouldn’t know half as much as I know about childhood cancer and childhood cancer research if she hadn’t shared her story about her son Ronan," Taylor said on stage.
Sales proceeds from "Ronan" are donated to cancer charities, including Maya's Ronan Thompson Foundation.
-- Erin Biglow
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