The 30-year-old explained, "While she was going through treatment, they found a brain tumor, and the symptoms of what a person goes through when they have a brain tumor is nothing like what we’ve ever been through with her cancer before. So it’s just been a really hard time for us as a family.”
Previously, the artist said she was unsure if she would ever be able to play the song live.
She explained last year, "I don’t know if I’ll ever play it live. It’s just really difficult for me. It was hard to write. It’s hard to sing. It’s hard to listen to for me. But sometimes, music is like that. Sometimes it’s not just about stuff that was pleasant to feel."
However, the unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19 seemed to change Swift's mind.
Lady Gaga, who organized the event, publicly praised Swift for her performance. The "Shallow" singer said, "This is so beautiful, Taylor. Thank you for sharing this vulnerable moment with us."
Overall, the event was a success--raising almost $128 million to combat the coronavirus in partnership with the World Health Organization and United Nations.