Celebrity4 min(s) read
Published 11:42 05 Jul 2026 GMT
While Taylor Swift celebrated her marriage to Travis Kelce on Friday, July 3, the singer was facing a devastating heartbreak behind the scenes.
The 36-year-old star's favorite teacher, who later became her security guard, tragically died on Swift's wedding day, following a battle with cancer.
Kirk Schwabe, who taught Swift criminal justice at Hendersonville High School in Nashville from 2004 to 2006, when she was in her mid-teens, was the singer's favorite teacher.
He began his career as a police officer in Chicago before he became a criminal justice educator, later going on to join Swift's team as her security guard.
Schwabe sadly died from metastatic kidney cancer aged 69 on Friday - the same day Swift walked down the aisle - his family confirmed to The Telegraph.
His daughter, Sarah Gordon, had revealed on Thurday that Schwabe had been moved to hospice care after his condition had "declined rapidly".
She wrote on Facebook on Thursday: "Over the past several weeks, his health has declined rapidly and he has now been moved to hospice care.
"If you know my dad, you know he has poured his heart into everything he’s done. He has always loved teaching. He loves his students."
Gordon also shared a photo of her dad with Swift, holding a framed record plaque for her 2006 self-titled album.
Before his death, Schwabe gave Swift his blessing for her union with Kelce, believing that she had found the right partner in the NFL star.
He told the Telegraph in an interview published on July 2: "I do trust Taylor’s judgment. She knows what’s best."
Schwabe also recalled telling Swift that her life ws set to change as she began to find fame, recalling: "I told her, you’re a superstar. This is not fun and games no more. You are it. Everything keeps going up and up and up, and the sky’s the limit for you."
He also admitted feeling "panic" when he realized her fame was going stratospheric while working security for her, adding: "If anything happens, I’m the guy.
"We got four or five hundred people in here, and I got some extra security guards, but I don’t know a lot of these guys who got hired, I don’t know what their qualifications are."
His wife, Jane, revealed the close bond he developed with Swift, explaining: "He treated her like he did his daughters."
While Schwabe eventually left his security role after becoming burned out, the pair maintained a great friendship, and when Swift made a cameo in the 2010 film Valentine's Day, her character's teacher was named Mr. Schwabe in honor of him.
Swift and Kelce tied the knot on Friday at Madison Square Garden, in front of 1,000 guests, including several A-list stars.
While Schwabe did not make it to see the wedding, his family revealed to the outlet that he remained proud of Swift and was happy for her and Kelce.
Swift’s aunt, Robin Gentry, revealed some details about the joyous occasion, saying the couple "cried and they laughed and they danced and they hugged and they kissed," while guests were treated to "lots" of food and cake.
Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony, while The Beatles' star Paul McCartney played 'I Want To Hold Your Hand', and Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks also took to the stage.
The newlyweds announced their union to fans outside as giant screens showed the message 'JUST&T MARRIED', with the T&T referencing their first initials.
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