Nicole Taylor, a member of the country music trio Taylor Red, continued working, traveling and even exercising while fighting an aggressive form of breast cancer. But after years of treatment and a brief period when doctors found no evidence of the disease, the cancer returned and eventually advanced to Stage 4. Nicole died at 35 on September 28, 2026, at her home in Nashville, Tennessee. Her sisters and fellow bandmates, Nika and Natalie Taylor, announced the heartbreaking news in an emotional video on November 2.
Nicole’s cancer battle began in 2022 when she received a diagnosis of Stage 3 breast cancer. Her sisters said the news came as a devastating shock. They recalled how difficult it was to accept that someone so close to them was facing such a serious illness. However, Nicole responded with a determination that would remain a defining part of her journey. She believed God would use her experience for his glory and refused to let fear dictate how she lived.
Her initial response to treatment gave the family hope. According to Nika and Natalie, Nicole eventually reached a point when doctors found no evidence of the disease. She also completed treatment and rang the bell, a moment that suggested she might finally be putting the illness behind her. But the good news did not last. The cancer later returned and progressed to Stage 4, forcing her to begin another difficult fight.
Even during chemotherapy, Nicole tried to maintain her normal routine. Her sisters said she continued participating in CrossFit despite the demands of treatment. She also kept working and traveling, making an effort to enjoy the time she had rather than spending every moment worrying about her condition. Her sisters remembered that she was often the one reassuring them, even when they were struggling to deal with the seriousness of her illness.
The situation eventually became more difficult when doctors gave Nicole a prognosis of only three months to live. Her sisters said she managed to live for about another year after receiving that news. They recalled how she continued moving forward, working two jobs and traveling despite the challenges. When her condition became particularly frightening, she still tried to comfort her sisters and help them remain positive.
The announcement of her death was especially painful for Nika and Natalie because Nicole was more than a musical partner. The three women were identical triplets who grew up together in Mississippi. Nicole was the oldest, and her sisters described her as their fearless leader and best friend. They said she was always willing to speak up for what was right and stand up for them whenever necessary.
Their shared life also became the foundation of their music career. The sisters first performed under the name Red Roots before adopting the name Taylor Red in 2018. They released three albums, including Red Roots, The Middle of Nowhere and Triplicity. Through their country music, live performances and online videos, the sisters built a large audience and became known for their musical talent and close family connection.
In their announcement, Nika and Natalie said they were still struggling to process the loss. They explained that they had expected Nicole to tell her own story of recovery, not for them to announce her death. Natalie said they had hoped to share a story of earthly healing, but instead were sharing one of heavenly healing. The sisters said they were grateful that Nicole was now at peace and no longer suffering.
The family has already held a private funeral service. Fans who wish to remember Nicole can also make donations through a memorial page established in her honor, with proceeds directed to Samaritan’s Purse, one of her favorite charities. Her sisters described her as their leader and best friend, making clear how much she meant to them beyond their shared career. Nicole’s death marks the end of a life that included music, family, hard work and a long fight against cancer that she faced with determination.
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