Nicole Taylor, one-third of the country trio Taylor RED, has died at 35 after battling breast cancer. She died at her home in Nashville on Sept. 28, according to a statement on the group’s website. Her sisters and bandmates, Nika and Natalie Taylor, announced her death in a video posted Nov. 2.
Taylor was diagnosed with an aggressive form of stage 3 breast cancer in 2022. She initially responded well to chemotherapy and was found to have no evidence of disease, but the cancer later returned and advanced to stage 4. Her doctors gave her three months to live after that diagnosis, but she lived for another year.
Born and raised in southern Mississippi, Nicole formed the group with her identical triplet sisters. They began performing in 2010 as Red Roots, released three albums, and adopted the name Taylor Red in 2018. The sisters blended country styles and performed with guitar, banjo, fiddle and mandolin.
Taylor Red gained a large social media audience with synchronized performances, covers and comedy videos. The trio’s 2021 song “Country Money” became one of its best-known releases.
In their tribute, Nika and Natalie described Nicole as their “fearless leader” and best friend. They said she continued to travel, work and exercise during her illness, and remained devoted to her Christian faith.
The family held a private funeral service. The sisters asked fans who wish to honor Nicole to donate to Samaritan’s Purse, one of her favorite charities, instead of sending flowers.
Sources: Variety.