Taylor Swift’s whirlwind romance with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s son, Conor, in 2012 has come back into forefront amid the politician’s hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.
The brief love story is often forgotten about due to some of the star’s more famous ex-boyfriends – and the chart-topping songs that they inspired.
However, Taylor and Conor enjoyed a romance over the summer of 2012, shortly before the then 22-year-old singer released her iconic album Red.
The pair’s relationship quickly blossomed after it became public in July, with Taylor frequently spotted at the Kennedy family’s famed Cape Cod home.
Fans were buzzing with delight at the idea Taylor was rubbing shoulders with political royalty at the famous compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
At just 18 years old, Conor was four years Taylor Swift’s junior at the time.
Taylor Swift ‘s whirlwind romance with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s son, Conor, in 2012 has come back into forefront amid the politician’s hearing before the Senate Finance Committee
Robert F. Kennedy Jr had his first heated exchange with senators today, where they repeatedly brought up his past claims (image from the hearing)
But their significant age gap didn’t appear to phase the singer, who was pictured kissing, holding hands and putting on a romantic display with Conor in pictures published at the time.
It was originally rumored that the then 22-year-old was dating Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son Patrick after she was pictured hugging him and joking around at the Kennedy’s July 4 celebrations.
However, it became clear that Conor was the object of her affections as she was seen enjoying boat trips with her boyfriend and his family and playing with the children around the house.
The new couple were also spotted going to a house party before slipping out a backdoor and joining some friends at a local pizzeria.
At the time, it was reported that Conor’s grandmother Ethel had played matchmaker by inviting the singer to the compound in Hyannisport.
Ethel was said to be a huge fan of Taylor and the pair became friends after the country singer revealed in an interview with the New Yorker in 2011 that she was obsessed with the Kennedy family and liked to watch documentaries about them.
‘I’m just so obsessed with the whole history of JFK and RFK,’ she told the magazine, adding that she had completed a 900-page book called The Kennedy Women.
The New York Post reported that Ethel invited Swift to celebrate July 4 with the family and introduced her to her grandson.
Taylor and Conor (aged 18 at the time) enjoyed an intense romance over the summer of 2012 before shortly before the then 22-year-old singer released her iconic album Red
The relationship fizzled out by September – ending the dream of Taylor becoming part of the U.S. political dynasty
A source told the paper that RFK’s widow had been a fan of Swift’s for more than a year and was fascinated with both her musical talents and humanitarian work.
Meanwhile, a contrasting report claimed that the couple were brought together by Conor’s aunt Rory Kennedy after she attended one of Taylor’s concerts with her two daughters.
Rory, who directed an HBO documentary about Ethel, gushed that Taylor ‘is a great friend of all of ours… We love her. She’s awesome.’
The romance came shortly after Conor’s mother, Mary Richardson Kennedy, died by suicide in May that same year.
At the time, Conor’s half sister, Kick, told the Post: ‘Conor has the biggest heart in the world, and Taylor is lovely. It’s been a tough summer, and I hope he gets to enjoy a little peace now.’
Despite this, the relationship fizzled out by September – ending the dream of Taylor becoming part of the U.S. political dynasty.
A source told Us Weekly at the time: ‘They quietly parted ways a while ago. It was just a distance thing. No hard feelings. They’re fine.
‘It’s been over a month since they’ve even seen each other. With her promotion for Red, she has no time off until the end of the year.’
Conor Kennedy got engaged to Brazilian singer Giulia Be last year, after two years of dating (pictured in January 2024)
A source told Page Six that Conor proposed with a Tiffany & Co. sparkler
Taylor has since moved on with NFL superstar Travis Kelce.
Their romance became public in September 2023 when the singer attended a Kansas City Chiefs game to support Kelce.
Many expect the A-List couple to take their relationship to the next level in coming months.
The tight end and songstress top the list of Hollywood power couples that are predicted to get engaged this year.
According to wedding experts at GroomsDay.com, Travis and Taylor could be the next in line to hear wedding bells after actor Tom Holland popped the question to Zendaya over the holidays.
Meanwhile, Conor got engaged to Brazilian star Giulia Be last year – after two years of dating.
The 30-year-old and the 25-year-old singer shared the joyful news on their respective Instagram accounts with a heartwarming photo carousel.
In the pictures, the couple shared affectionate embraces and tender kisses, with the singer proudly showcasing her stunning engagement ring.
Taylor Swift has revealed her grand renovation plans for her Rhode Island mansion , where she¿s been frequently staying with her boyfriend Travis Kelce; (seen in January 2024)
The Chiefs tight end has been dating pop sensation for just over 18 months and many believe the pair will likely get engaged this year
A video also captured the couple dancing in a candlelit room, celebrating Conor’s proposal. Overwhelmed with emotion, Giulia begins to cry and exclaims, ‘This is the best day ever!’
‘I literally can’t believe this,’ she added in the video, captioning the post, ‘easiest yes of all time.’
A source told Page Six that Conor proposed with a Tiffany & Co. sparkler.
The couple started dating in February 2022, and according to the outlet’s insider, Giulia relocated from Rio de Janeiro to Los Angeles to be with Conor.
The Latin Grammy-nominated singer has several Portuguese chart-toppers, and also appeared in the Netflix film Depois do Universo.
The source also revealed that the bride-to-be is now dedicating herself to acting and singing, while Conor is channeling his efforts into his legal career.