Taylor Swift’s bodyguard shared emotional message before dying on singer’s wedding day

Kirk Schwabe died on Friday (Image: Sarah Gordon / Facebook)

Taylor Swift’s former high school teacher, who later worked as her bodyguard, died on the same day she married Travis Kelce.

Taylor, 36, tied the knot with Travis, also 36, at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday night, July 3. The couple announced their marriage around 7.30 p.m. when jumbotron screens outside the arena displayed pink backgrounds with the message, “JUSTandT MARRIED!”

As Taylor and Travis celebrated their union with loved ones, Kirk Schwabe, 69, tragically died due to renal cancer that same day. Kirk had taught the pop star criminal justice at Henderson High School in Nashville, Tennessee, between 2004 and 2006.

When Taylor’s career skyrocketed in 2009, Kirk left his teaching position to become the singer’s bodyguard at her family’s request. After several years in the role, he chose to step away, citing burnout while maintaining his affection for the artist.

Kirk’s wife Janet confirmed his death to The Telegraph, noting her husband treated Taylor “like he did his daughters.”

Taylor Swift married Travis Kelce on Friday night (Image: Aeon, GC Imagesvia Getty Images)

His daughter Sarah also honored her father’s memory.

“My dad had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, valued, and protected. Whether you were family, one of his students, or someone like Taylor whose path crossed his, he cared deeply about people. That’s the legacy he leaves behind,” she shared with the publication.

Taylor shared a close bond with Kirk and honored him through a cameo in Garry Marshall’s 2010 romantic comedy Valentine’s Day, where she named her character’s teacher Mr. Schwabe.

Kirk’s wife shared the news of his death (Image: Janet Schwabe / Facebook)

Speaking with The Telegraph before Taylor’s wedding, Kirk recalled telling a young Taylor she was a “superstar,” cautioning her, “This is not fun and games no more. You are it.”

Kirk had also encouraged his former student, saying, “Everything keeps going up and up and up, and the sky’s the limit for you.”

He expressed confidence that Taylor had chosen the right partner in Travis, noting he trusted her judgment.

Friday’s wedding ceremony for Taylor and Travis was officiated by actor Adam Sandler, with close friends and family in attendance. Breaking from tradition, the couple opted against a conventional wedding party.

Taylor’s brother, Austin Swift, served as her Man of Honor, while Travis’ brother, Jason Kelce, stood as Best Man.

Both the bride and groom wore matching wedding outfits designed by Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of Dior Women’s, Men’s and Haute Couture Collections.