Harinina: Taylor Swift Invites New Jersey Teen To ACM Awards

Country superstar declines Kevin McGuire's prom invitation on Facebook — but she has a better idea.
By Ryan J. Downey

Taylor Swift at the 2011 Academy of Country Music awards
Photo: Getty Images

Taylor Swift has asked a fan to be her date to an awards show, and it all started on Facebook.

Less than 24 hours after the sister of a leukemia-stricken New Jersey teen made a plea to the country star in an online video, Swift responded via her official Facebook page.

"Kevin, I'm so sorry but I won't be able to make it to your prom," she wrote. "But I was wondering, the ACM Awards are coming up... Would you be my date?"

Swift's camp confirmed to MTV News that the Facebook post is legit.

Kevin McGuire, an 18-year-old high school football star, has his sister to thank for the invitation. Looking for ways to support her brother as he underwent treatment for a relapse of the disease he was diagnosed with five years ago, Tori McGuire set up the "Taylor Swift Take Kevin McGuire to Prom!" Facebook page, which had nearly 100,000 followers at press time. The Twitter hashtag #TeamKevin had gotten the attention of a number of celebrities, including Perez Hilton, Travie McCoy, Michael Vick and Troy Aikman.

"All throughout Kevin's treatment he kept his character intact, remained playing basketball, and even started varsity football as a freshman," she wrote on the Facebook page. "Kevin is known throughout the community as the High school's 'real life SUPER MAN!' Tragically, Kevin had a relapse, and is now fighting cancer for the second time. Kevin is the kindest, most noble 18 year old a person could even fathom meeting, and throughout his ups and downs Kevin never even questioned 'why me?' Nothing, and I mean NOTHING brightens Kevin's day more than Taylor Swift. Kevin DESERVES more than anyone a special event in his life."

Comments quickly flooded Swift's post and new remarks appeared on McGuire's Facebook page as well.

"Congrats! The ACMs are way better than the prom!" wrote Connie Spross, a supporter.

The 47th annual Academy of Country Music Awards are scheduled to take place Sunday, April 1, in Nashville. Swift is nominated for several awards, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Video of the Year.

What do you think of Taylor's response to Kevin? Let us know in the comments!

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