A handwritten note from Taylor Swift to the late Liam Payne is set to go under the hammer in December, offering fans and collectors a rare glimpse into the singer’s personal support for the One Direction star. The note, penned in 2017, shows Swift expressing encouragement for Payne’s solo music career, telling him she was “always cheering” for him.

Details of the Note

The letter, dated December 1, 2017, was gifted to Payne prior to his performance at the Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball at London’s O2 Arena. Both Swift and Payne performed at the concert on December 10, 2017.

Written on Swift’s custom letterhead, the note reads:
“Liam, Long time no see! I’m so excited for you, you’re crushing it out there. I’m obsessed with ‘Bedroom Floor.’ It’s so cool to see you from afar, I’m always cheering you on. Good luck tonight!”

Swift signed the note and enclosed it in an envelope addressed to “Liam,” decorated with stars and sealed with a personalized ‘T’ wax seal. The back of the envelope also features “Nashville, Tennessee”, the city Swift moved to as a teenager to pursue her music career.

The note was reportedly given by Payne to a close associate shortly after receiving it. The upcoming auction is being handled by Omega Auctions, with the item valued between £5,000-10,000 ($6,500-$13,150) and scheduled to be sold on December 2, 2025.

Liam Payne’s Solo Career

At the time Swift wrote the note, Payne had recently released “Bedroom Floor” in October 2017, following his debut solo single “Strip That Down” in May and “Get Low” in July. His solo work began after One Direction announced an indefinite hiatus in January 2016, following Zayn Malik’s departure in March 2015 and the release of the band’s fifth studio album.

Although Swift and Payne had never publicly discussed their friendship, they were first romantically linked in March 2012, splitting in January 2013. Swift has also collaborated with other One Direction members, including Zayn Malik on “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” (2016), and has been photographed with Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson at public events.

Context and Legacy

The auction comes shortly after the first anniversary of Liam Payne’s death in October 2024. Payne, who died at age 31 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, fell from his hotel balcony. An autopsy determined he died from polytrauma, while a subsequent toxicology report indicated traces of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system.

The note is seen as a heartfelt memento of the support and admiration Swift expressed for Payne during his early solo career, and it is expected to draw attention from fans of both artists, collectors of celebrity memorabilia, and One Direction enthusiasts.

Auction and Collectible Significance

Swift’s handwritten letters and memorabilia have historically been highly prized at auctions, reflecting her enduring popularity and the significance of her relationships with fellow artists. This particular note offers a unique look at a personal connection with Payne and is a rare piece of music history from the late 2010s.

The upcoming auction not only honors Payne’s legacy but also underscores the emotional connections between music icons and their peers, highlighting the human side of celebrity interactions that fans treasure worldwide.