BY MELISSA RUGGIERI/AJC Music Scene

Taylor Swift made an unscheduled appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s late-night show Monday to help comfort the grieving host.

Fallon canceled last week’s shows following the Nov. 4 death of his mother, Gloria.

During his return, Fallon briefly acknowledged his loss, tearing up while sharing a childhood memory of his mother squeezing his hand three times to say, “I love you.”

Swift showed up to play her reflective new ballad, “New Year’s Day,” which includes the lyric, “squeeze my hand three times in the back of a taxi.”

After her performance, the singer wrapped Fallon in an emotional hug and waved to the audience.

Mike DiCenzo, a producer and writer on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” explained on Twitter that they asked Swift to perform “on a complete whim” since she was in town from doing “Saturday Night Live” over the weekend and “she said yes with zero hesitation.”

You can read the full details here on DiCenzo's Twitter feed and watch the performance below.

As reported on Monday, Swift has announced a massive 2018 stadium tour to support her new album, "Reputation." She will play Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Aug. 11. Tickets to the general public will go on sale Dec. 13.

Fans can register on Ticketmaster's Verified Fan site through Nov. 28. to purchase tickets in advance of the public onsale.

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