Music

Jessie Takes Center Stage in Taylor Swift’s Nostalgic ‘Toy Story’ Music Video

Taylor Swift's new "Toy Story" music video, featuring Jessie, is a moving experience that may bring tears to your eyes.

Rolling Stone·Jun 5, 2026·via Rolling Stone

Jessie Takes Center Stage in Taylor Swift’s Nostalgic ‘Toy Story’ Music Video

'I Knew It, I Knew You'

Jessie Is the Star of Taylor Swift’s Deeply Nostalgic ‘Toy Story’ Music Video

Warning: The footage may make you a little weepy, too

Charisma Madarang , Larisha Paul June 5, 2026

For a movie about toys and their human counterparts, the Toy Story franchise has done impressive work of becoming a cornerstone of American nostalgia. Multibillion dollar global revenue aside, the films hold a warm, fuzzy spot in pop culture, with Woody and Buzz Lightyear returning with each reiteration to pull at our heartstrings.

In the upcoming Toy Story 5 film, set to release June 19, however, cowgirl Jessie takes front and center. This week, the upcoming movie got the Taylor Swift -treatment and the star bestowed both film and music fans with the country-tinged and sentimental, “ I Knew It, I Knew You. ” The track, which draws inspiration from Jessie, was followed by a music video on Friday, which features footage from the film and highlights the Pixar series’ beloved character as she and the crew confront the biggest rival in playtime history: A tablet called Lilypad.

The choice edits — which features Jessie riding a horse under a blazing sun, antics with Woody and Bullseye, hints of a budding romance with Buzz, near-death experiences with a garbage truck, and glimpses of blissful possibilities — may stir up weepy, feely emotions for Nineties kids and beyond.

“Writing this song felt like a musical departure and coming home at the same time. Creating something for Jessie was a new challenge and also felt like second nature all at once,” Swift wrote in an Instagram post alongside a video of herself as a little girl wearing a cowgirl hat and boots.