Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Family Rallies Around Singer After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

During the height of the record-breaking Eras Tour, Taylor Swift and her touring family were hit with heartbreaking news. Longtime background vocalist Jeslyn Gorman was diagnosed with breast cancer while the tour was still underway.

Fans first noticed Gorman’s absence during the Mexico City shows in late August 2023, though no explanation was given at the time. She later reappeared during the 2024 Sydney dates, and now the reason for her disappearance has been revealed in Swift’s Disney+ docuseries, The End of an Era.

In episode three, Gorman shares that the diagnosis sent shockwaves through the tight-knit tour crew. Swift recalls the moment vividly, saying it was the first major emotional blow the tour family faced. “It was completely unfathomable to us,” she says, remembering how devastated everyone felt and how hard the uncertainty was.

Gorman says Swift’s response was immediate and deeply personal. When she broke the news, Swift rushed in with hugs and tears, while Swift’s mother reassured her to focus on her health and promised the team would be there whenever she was ready to return.

At first, Gorman tried to balance treatment with performing. She flew back and forth to Los Angeles between shows for tests and biopsies, then stepped back on stage as if nothing was wrong. Eventually, though, she had to step away completely, taking six months off to undergo chemotherapy and surgery.

The treatment took a heavy toll. Gorman experienced swelling, skin problems, and significant hair loss, losing about 75 percent of her curls. She describes feeling and looking like a different person while watching her friends perform through livestreams from home.

The docuseries shows fellow band members sending messages of love and encouragement, making it clear how much she was missed. Swift, who has worked with Gorman since the Reputation tour in 2018, told her she could return anytime—only if she felt ready.

What happened next stunned everyone. Almost immediately after finishing treatment, Gorman rejoined the tour. Swift says she couldn’t believe her strength or determination to come back and take on one of the most demanding shows in the world. “I still can’t,” she adds.

The first four episodes of The End of an Era are now streaming on Disney+, offering fans a powerful look at the resilience, love, and family behind the scenes of the Eras Tour.