In an era dominated by instant digital communication, two of the world's biggest music stars are proving that some friendships thrive beyond the screens. Billionaire pop sensation Taylor Swift and multi-Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran have maintained a close bond for over a decade, but their connection recently faced a humorous test when major life news got delayed.
The Missed Engagement Announcement
Ed Sheeran, currently promoting his upcoming Netflix musical special ONE SHOT with Ed Sheeran: A Music Experience with director Philip Barantini, revealed to Access Hollywood's Emily Orozco that he only learned about Taylor Swift's engagement to Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce a full week after the news had already spread across cyberspace. The reason? Sheeran has completely disconnected from digital devices.
The Shape of You singer explained that he has intentionally ditched his iPad and abandoned social media, preferring genuine human interactions over constant digital updates. This lifestyle choice meant he missed one of the biggest celebrity announcements of the year involving one of his closest friends.
A Friendship Built on Real Connections
Sheeran emphasized that his friendship with Swift isn't dependent on digital communication. I've actually got rid of the iPad as well, so I'm not on anything anymore, Sheeran shared during his interview. My way of viewing it is like me and Taylor are mates, and I will see her, and I saw her a week after that (engagement) happened.
The two superstars made up for the delayed news with what Sheeran described as a marathon four-hour catch-up session. When I saw Taylor, we had a four-hour catch-up, he explained, highlighting the depth of their connection. It's life stuff rather than, I don't know, you know what I mean? I'm not self-conscious about my relationship with her. We've been friends for very, very many years.
Swift's Explanation of Sheeran's Phone-Free Lifestyle
Taylor Swift had previously addressed Sheeran's unusual communication habits during her October appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. With laughter, she explained why Sheeran didn't hear about her engagement directly from her before it went viral online.
I have a perfect explanation...he doesn't have a phone, Swift revealed. I'm going through my texts and being like, 'Who have I texted within the last month in my life?' And he just wasn't there.
Swift described the unusual process required to contact her famous friend: You have to email him. If you want to set up a FaceTime, he has to find an iPad. They have to give it to him like he's a child that you give the iPad to.
Despite the communication challenges, Swift gushed about Sheeran being one of my absolute favorite people on the planet. She expressed her affection, saying, When the news came out, I was like, 'We forgot to call Ed! Oh, no!' He's like family. I love him. But he doesn't have a phone.
A Friendship That Stands the Test of Time
The bond between Swift and Sheeran dates back to 2012 when their friendship reportedly sparked after Sheeran noticed his own lyrics from Lego House inked on Swift's arm during a concert. Their connection deepened when Sheeran joined Swift as the opening act for her Red Tour in 2013-14, a period when the two were nearly inseparable.
Sheeran summarized their enduring friendship perfectly: We're super close, and we see each other when we see each other. And when we see each other, we lock back into where we left off. This philosophy reflects his broader approach to relationships, where he believes that being in touch with everyone, you lose actual human connection.
In today's hyper-connected world, the story of Swift and Sheeran's friendship serves as a reminder that some of the strongest bonds are those that don't depend on instant digital communication but rather on meaningful, in-person connections that pick up right where they left off, regardless of time or distance.
