Taylor Swift shares: My mom has cancer

Ann Oldenburg | USA TODAY

Corrections and clarifications: An earlier version of this story incorrectly specified the cancer diagnosis.

Taylor Swift is sharing some serious and upsetting news.

In a tweet, she says her mother has been diagnosed with cancer.

The superstar singer says that for Christmas, she asked her mother, Andrea, to give her the gift of going to "the doctor to get screened for any health issues, just to ease some worries of mine."

Mom agreed, and went in to get checked.

Now, writes Swift, "The results came in, and I'm saddened to tell you that my mom has been diagnosed with cancer. I'd like to keep the details of her condition and treatment plans private, but she wanted you to know."

Swift says that her mother wanted to urge fans to remind their parents to get checked to "possibly lead to an early diagnosis and an easier battle."

And also for "peace of mind in knowing that they're healthy and there's nothing to worry about. She wanted you to know why she may not be at as many shows this tour. She's got an important battle to fight."

And in case you want to see just how close Swift and her mom have always been, watch this: