close to one's heart

• near to one's heart

close to one's heart (comparative closer to one's heart, superlative closest to one's heart)

1. Deeply cared about; beloved or being the object of great concern.
   • 2013, Kathy J Snow, Pebbles and Blessings: Pebbles and Blessings of Life, →ISBN, page 8:

     As we started driving away I was saddened by the thought of leaving this beloved place that was so very dear and close to my heart.

   • 2020 July 1, Paul Stephen, “Vital Connections”, in Rail, page 40:

     Samaritans is a cause close to Prosser's heart, given his own experience of dealing with the tragic suicide of a loved one, [...].

close to one's heart (comparative closer to one's heart, superlative closest to one's heart)

1. In a deeply concerned manner or with great love.
   • 2012, Marelise Bekker, Through the Door of Hope!, →ISBN, page 19:

     I held these special moments close to my heart.

• “close to someone’s heart”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.