Same here! It wasn't exactly the first Mario game I played, but it was my first exposure to the Mario franchise overall when I watched my mom playing it (back when she liked playing video games more) when I was like 4 years old. Later on when I was 14 I would play it and beat it myself, while also exploring the post-game stuff. There was this bit of a stage she couldn't get past and I think she was happy to see I was able to get past it.
The game holds a special place in my heart and it always will. I'm considering paying the game another visit because it's just that good to me.
I've always been wanting to play TTYD when I saw gameplay of it when I was little too, so I'm excited to try the remake when it comes out on the Switch. (It's fine that you don't like it a lot by the way, I just hope I'll personally have a good time with it)