Taylor Red member Nicole Taylor dies at 35 after four-year cancer fight
The country singer, who was told she had three months to live in 2025, survived an additional year before passing on September 28, 2026.
By Pablo Kuznetsov ·
Nicole Taylor, one third of the country trio Taylor Red, died on September 28, 2026. She was 35. Her sisters, Nika and Natalie Taylor, confirmed the news in an Instagram video released on Monday. The group had been touring and recording until Nicole’s health declined.
The sisters announced that a private funeral service was held by the family. Nicole Taylor was born on March 18, 1991. Her diagnosis began in 2022 when doctors identified an aggressive form of breast cancer. Initial treatments appeared to work. Her medical team declared her disease-free for a period. Then, about nine months later, Nika Taylor said Nicole received a more serious diagnosis. The cancer had progressed to Stage 4. Doctors estimated she had three months to live. If treatments worked, they could not predict how much longer she would have.
Natalie Taylor described her sister’s reaction to the prognosis. Nicole replied, "Everybody's gonna face judgment, and I'm ready to." Nika Taylor added that Nicole told her loved ones, "We're not going to live in dread during all of this." Instead of retreating, Nicole continued working out. Nika Taylor noted that her sister performed CrossFit workouts while undergoing chemotherapy. Natalie Taylor said Nicole remained hopeful, traveled, and tried to have fun. She worked hard to live life fully despite the odds.
The Taylor sisters formed their first band, Red Roots, in 2010. They released their self-titled debut album in 2011. Their second album, "The Middle of Nowhere," came out in 2012. The third album, "Triplicity," followed in 2014. In 2015, the trio signed with Inpop Records. They changed their name to Taylor Red. In 2021, they released the track "Country Money." The group maintained a steady faith throughout Nicole’s illness. Nika Taylor said in the video, "We are still shocked and didn't think this would happen. But we know she's not suffering anymore, and we have God's promise of ultimate healing."
Nicole Taylor’s death marks the end of a four-year battle with breast cancer. The remaining sisters have not announced plans for the band. The family asked for privacy during the funeral. The group’s official website carries the statement from the sisters. Nicole Taylor’s final public appearance was in 2026.
Source: ABC7 Chicago
