It was a case of tissues at the ready at last night’s 'Academy of Country Music Awards' as Taylor Swift’s mother Andrea was on hand to present her daughter with the Milestone Award.

The 57-year old, who is currently battling cancer, delivered an emotional speech about T-Swizzle’s rise to fame, before awarding her withthe accolade.

She stated: “I've watched this milestone artist from the time she was a tangled-hair little girl, growing up on our farm, full of imagination and creativity, until right now when she prepares for her next world tour.

"And ever since then, her favourite thing to do is to write a song, tell a story, play guitar or piano, and I've seen those things carry her through every emotion, every experience in her life, good or bad."

[related]An emotional Mummy Swift continued: “Like many of you tonight with children of your own, I am a very proud mum. So I'd like to thank the ACMs for honouring her in this way but I'd also like to thank the entire music community for taking such good care of her.

"And to the fans, I know you love her as I love her, and for that, I thank you eternally."

Swift looked clearly overwhelmed as she accepted the gong from her mum, with the star referencing her decision to make a pop album in her speech.

Miranda Lambert was the big winner at the event, taking home Song of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year.