Taylor Swift Is ‘Such a Good Role Model,’ Says “Toy Story” Star Tony Hale: ‘So Grateful’ My Daughter Has That (Exclusive) 

**Tony Hale Lauds Taylor Swift as Role Model for Daughter at Toy Story 5 Premiere**

Actor and comedian Tony Hale has spoken glowingly of Taylor Swift, describing the pop star as an exemplary role model for his daughter, Loy Ann Hale. The 55-year-old actor attended the Los Angeles premiere of Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated Toy Story 5 on June 9, where he shared his admiration for Swift in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.

Hale revealed that his 20-year-old daughter is a devoted fan of the singer, often referred to as a “Swiftie.” He remarked, “Taylor Swift has meant a lot to my daughter. She is such a good role model.” The actor highlighted Swift’s kindness and her strength as a businesswoman, expressing gratitude that his daughter looks up to her.

“It’s wonderful as a father to know that my daughter has someone like her to aspire to,” Hale added. His words underscore the significant influence Swift has on the younger generation, particularly young women.

The Toy Story 4 star mentioned that he has viewed a documentary about Swift on three occasions, showing his deep interest in her career and achievements. Loy Ann was also present at the premiere, having attended Swift’s Eras Tour twice, which clearly adds to Hale’s pride. He couldn’t help but reflect on the connection, noting that being part of a project that Swift contributed to certainly elevated his “street cred” with his daughter.

At the Toy Story 5 premiere, Taylor Swift performed an original song titled “I Knew It, I Knew You,” dedicated to the beloved cowgirl character Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack. Swift expressed her profound connection to the project, stating, “It means the world to me to be a small part of the universe of these films.”

Continuing to share her enthusiasm, Swift praised Toy Story 5 as her favourite in the franchise, describing it as “insanely beautiful” and a “masterpiece.” She acknowledged the contributions of the creators at Disney and Pixar, thanking them for their hard work.

In a touching moment, Swift not only performed her new song but also brought out legendary composer Randy Newman to sing his classic hit, “You’ve Got A Friend In Me.” This collaboration further exemplified the sense of nostalgia that permeates the film, connecting both Swift and the audience through cherished childhood memories.

For Swift, Toy Story holds a special significance, having grown up with the franchise. In an Instagram post leading up to the premiere, she shared a heartfelt video of her younger self dressed as a cowgirl, reflecting on her roots in country music. “Writing this song felt like both a musical departure and coming home at the same time,” she shared.

“I Knew It, I Knew You,” which saw a collaboration with songwriter Jack Antonoff, marks Swift’s first release since her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, which launched the previous October. The song, which debuted on June 5, garnered significant attention, reportedly achieving the record for the biggest soundtrack single on Apple Music on its release day. Swift surprised fans shortly after its release by unveiling an accompanying music video.

As the premiere concluded, both Hale and Swift basked in the shared excitement of the movie and the warmth generated by the enduring legacy of the Toy Story franchise. The event highlighted not only the magic of the animated world but also the real-life connections forged between fans and their idols, exemplified beautifully by Hale’s admiration for Swift as a positive influence on his daughter’s life.