Taylor Swift's mom gives touching speech at Country Music Awards

DALLAS, April 20 (UPI) -- Sunday night during the Country Music Awards, Taylor Swift's mom, Andrea, delivered a heartfelt speech before honoring the singer with the Milestone Award.

The Swift family matriarch stood before the audience and praised her daughter, saying, "I've watched this milestone artist from the time she was a tangled-hair little girl ... Full of imagination and creativity until right now when she prepares for her next world tour."

The "very proud mom" continued, "For many years, I was her constant companion. And I witnessed a young girl with very few friends become one with many, learning to stand up for herself and the things she believes in. Being brave enough to explore her musical curiosity, having a voice against those who hate, and giving of herself to those in need."

Taylor went up to receive her award and embraced her mother. Since transitioning her sound from country to pop, the singer thanked the country community for accepting her decision with such grace.

"I'm so unbelievably proud that I learned to treat people with kindness and respect from country music" said Swift. "And to the fans... I'll see you right here in this exact stadium in a few months on the 1989 world tour. See you soon. I love you," she concluded.

Earlier this month, Swift announced to her fans that her mother is battling cancer.

Casual Sunday night with the parents. #ACMawards50

A photo posted by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on Apr 19, 2015 at 10:28pm PDT