Rare Taylor Swift-Signed Guitar Discovered in Dallas Radio Station Closet

The instrument will be auctioned off to benefit Cook Children's Medical Center.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the worn, textured surface of an acoustic guitar, with faded autographs visible under dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the rediscovery of this rare, signed instrument.The rediscovered Taylor Swift-signed guitar will be auctioned off to benefit a children's hospital, turning a lucky find into an opportunity for charitable impact.Dallas Today

A rare acoustic guitar signed by Taylor Swift and other country music stars was recently discovered in the closet of a Dallas radio station, New Country 96.3. The station is now auctioning off the guitar, dubbed "The Lost Taylor Swift Guitar", to raise money for Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth.

Why it matters

The discovery of this unique, autographed guitar from early in Taylor Swift's career is an exciting find for fans and collectors. By auctioning it off for a good cause, the radio station can turn this lucky break into an opportunity to support pediatric care in the local community.

The details

The guitar was originally going to be reused for an upcoming event, but the station's promotions director, Jessica MacKenzie-Williams, recognized Swift's signature on the instrument after a closer examination. Along with Swift's autograph, the guitar also bears signatures from other country artists like Dierks Bentley, Martina McBride, Eli Young Band, and Buddy Jewel.

  • The guitar has been sitting in storage at the radio station for nearly two decades.
  • The online auction opened on Monday, April 14, 2026 and will run through Friday, April 17, 2026, ending at 9 a.m. Central time.

The players

New Country 96.3

A Dallas radio station that discovered the rare, autographed Taylor Swift guitar in its closet.

Jessica MacKenzie-Williams

The promotions director at New Country 96.3 who recognized Taylor Swift's signature on the guitar.

Mark "Hawkeye" Louis

The host of the "Hawkeye in the Morning" show on New Country 96.3, who decided to auction off the guitar for charity.

Michelle Rodriguez

The co-host of the "Hawkeye in the Morning" show on New Country 96.3, who worked with Hawkeye to verify the guitar's signatures.

Cook Children's Medical Center

The Fort Worth hospital that will receive the proceeds from the auction of the Taylor Swift-signed guitar.

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What they’re saying

“I was about to re-use the guitar for an upcoming event because the signatures were faded, and the guitar was dusty. But then after closer examination I recognized one of the signatures... Taylor's. I couldn't believe it!”

— Jessica MacKenzie-Williams, Promotions Director, New Country 96.3

“This guitar has already had an incredible journey. Now it gets to make a difference for kids who need it most.”

— Mark "Hawkeye" Louis, Host, "Hawkeye in the Morning" Show

What’s next

The online auction for the Taylor Swift-signed guitar will close at 9 a.m. Central time on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The takeaway

The rediscovery of this rare, autographed guitar from early in Taylor Swift's career is an exciting find that will now benefit children in need through an auction supporting Cook Children's Medical Center. This story highlights the power of chance discoveries to create meaningful impact in local communities.