Taylor Swift's wedding celebration with Travis Kelce saw many of her A-list friends in attendance, but notably absent were former close friend Blake Lively and her children, for whom Swift serves as godmother. The couple held a rehearsal dinner on Thursday at Infosys Theater with approximately 100 guests, including Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper, Selena Gomez, and Jack Antonoff.
Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, were reported to be attending their daughter Betty's horse show in Lake Placid, New York, over 300 miles away. Swift is godmother to Lively and Reynolds' four children: James, Inez, Betty, and son Olin. This absence marks a significant shift from their previously close relationship.
Swift has a history of public devotion to her godchildren, having featured Lively and Reynolds' three eldest daughters on her 2020 album Folklore and naming songs after them. She also acknowledged James and Inez during a stop on her Eras Tour in Philadelphia in May 2023.
The reported rift between Swift and Lively is said to stem from Swift being subpoenaed in Lively's legal dispute with Justin Baldoni. Swift's song "My Tears Ricochet" was featured in Baldoni's 2024 film It Ends With Us, in which Lively also starred. Baldoni had filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively and Reynolds for defamation, accusing them of intimidation tactics, though the suit was later dismissed. Swift's subpoena was also withdrawn.
Despite the alleged fallout, Swift has reportedly maintained a connection with Jaime King's son, Leo, for whom she is also a godmother. While reports suggest Swift and King do not have regular contact, Swift is said to still send presents and would be available if needed.
Swift and Kelce, both 36, are preparing for a larger celebration with an estimated 1,000 guests at Madison Square Garden.