Selena Gomez has opened up about her longstanding friendship with Taylor Swift and confirmed her role as the inspiration behind the song “Dorothea.” During an appearance on the podcast Friends Keep Secrets, hosted by Benny Blanco and Lil Dicky, Gomez shared insights into their nearly 18-year friendship and reflected on the personal connection she feels to Swift’s music.
The song “Dorothea,” released in December 2020, tells the story of a small-town girl navigating fame and personal growth. Speculation about Gomez being the muse for this track had circulated for several years, but it was not until this podcast episode that Gomez addressed it directly. She stated, “Well, ‘Dorothea’ is about me—one of her songs,” highlighting the emotional depth of their relationship and the shared experiences that have shaped their lives.
Gomez recalled their initial meeting at a Jonas Brothers concert in 2008, where they quickly bonded over their romantic ties to members of the band. At the time, Gomez was dating Nick Jonas, while Swift was involved with Joe Jonas. Their discussion during the concert laid the foundation for a close friendship that has endured through numerous life changes.
During the podcast, Gomez elaborated on the themes present in “Dorothea,” noting how it encapsulates significant moments from their adolescent years. “I feel like a lot of huge moments that were self-defining—from relationships to family to love to hate, all of it in between—we were figuring it out because I was 15 and she was 18,” she explained. This shared journey has fostered a unique understanding between the two friends, allowing them to support each other through various challenges.
In addition to discussing “Dorothea,” Gomez revealed that this was not the first song Swift had written about her. She mentioned an unreleased track titled “Family,” which touches on their aspirations and dreams for the future. “Now, when I listen to that song, both of those things have happened for us,” Gomez said, referring to their successful careers in entertainment.
The podcast conversation also touched on Gomez’s mental health journey and her recent wedding to the co-host, Benny Blanco. The emotional exchanges between the trio showcased the deep bonds of friendship and mutual respect that have developed over nearly two decades. They even discussed a heartfelt gift that Gomez received from Swift, a handmade mixed-media artwork that Blanco initially mistook for a Basquiat piece.
Listeners can expect a mix of laughter and nostalgia as Gomez reflects on her life and her enduring friendship with Swift. The candid discussion not only reveals the personal side of their relationship but also emphasizes how their individual journeys have intertwined, contributing to their respective successes.
