Taylor Red member Nicole Taylor dies at 35 after cancer battle

Nicole Taylor, a founding member of the country trio Taylor Red, died on Sept. 28, 2026. Her sisters confirmed the news in a statement posted to the group's official website and an Instagram video shared on Monday. Taylor was 35 years old.

The singer was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2022. Her sisters, Nika and Natalie Taylor, described how Nicole initially responded well to chemotherapy. Doctors later declared her free of disease. However, the cancer returned and progressed to Stage 4.

Following the Stage 4 diagnosis, doctors gave Nicole three months to live. Her sisters said she lived for another year beyond that prognosis. Nika Taylor explained that after asking doctors about her outlook, Nicole was told she had about three months. If treatments worked, medical staff could not say how long she would live after that period.

Nicole continued her active lifestyle during her illness. Nika Taylor noted that her sister performed CrossFit workouts while undergoing chemotherapy. Natalie Taylor said Nicole traveled, worked hard, and tried to have fun despite her condition. Her sister described her attitude as fearless and hopeful.

Natalie Taylor recalled that Nicole told loved ones, "We're not going to live in dread during all of this." When faced with a more serious diagnosis around nine months after the initial Stage 4 news, Nicole replied, "Everybody's gonna face judgment, and I'm ready to."

The Taylor sisters formed their music group in 2010 under the name Red Roots. They released their debut album in 2011, followed by "The Middle of Nowhere" in 2012 and "Triplicity" in 2014. In 2015, the trio signed with Inpop Records and changed their name to Taylor Red. They released the track "Country Money" in 2021.

Nicole Taylor was born on March 18, 1991. A private funeral service was held by the family. Nika and Natalie Taylor said their sister kept a deep and steady faith throughout her life. "We are still shocked and didn't think this would happen," Nika Taylor said. "But we know she's not suffering anymore, and we have God's promise of ultimate healing."