Taylor Swift Named ‘Betty’ After Ryan Reynolds’ Kids—But They Had No Clue!

Taylor Swift’s Folklore album, released in July 2020, became an instant favorite for fans with its deeply introspective lyrics and compelling storytelling. One track, “Betty,” stands out not only for its lyrical content but also for its connection to Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s children. However, despite the personal reference, Reynolds and Lively didn’t immediately tell their daughters about the song—here’s why.

Swift’s Folklore album arrived as a surprise release, following months of isolation during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The album told various stories from multiple perspectives, and “Betty” was part of a teenage love triangle narrative involving three characters: James, Betty, and Inez. What made this song particularly special for Reynolds and Lively’s family was that the names of their daughters—James and Inez—are mentioned in the lyrics.

In an interview promoting his 2021 film Free Guy, Reynolds revealed how he and Lively initially kept the song a secret from their kids. “They had no idea,” Reynolds admitted. “We don’t tell them anything. We find they’re most compliant if you offer them no access to outside information.” Despite Swift’s song being a nod to their children, Reynolds and Lively chose not to spoil the surprise and let their daughters discover it on their own.

Although the song uses their daughters’ names, Reynolds made it clear that the song was not about their kids. “Obviously, the song has nothing to do with our kids other than our kid’s names,” Reynolds shared, calling the song “an honor” and describing it as “pretty damn amazing.” Swift, who has a close relationship with the couple, had informed them about the song’s inclusion in the album before Folklore was released. Reynolds, however, admitted that even though he and Lively knew about it, they were still in awe of the moment.

For Reynolds, the revelation of the song was still surreal. “I still wander down the street and shake my head thinking, ‘I can’t believe that happened,’” he remarked, reflecting on the special connection between his family and Swift. The song was a unique gift, one that no other parents could claim—a reminder of the special bond between the Swift family and the Reynolds-Lively household.

Interestingly, Reynolds and Lively’s children are no strangers to Swift’s music. Their eldest daughter, James, is also featured on a different Swift track. In 2017, Swift’s Reputation album included the song “Gorgeous,” which opens with the voice of a young child saying the title. That voice belonged to James Reynolds, marking another musical moment for the family.

The friendship between Taylor Swift and Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds has been well-documented, with the trio attending parties, shows, and family gatherings over the years. Despite their closeness, Reynolds and Lively continue to keep their personal lives and their children’s privacy tightly guarded—making these musical tributes all the more special.