Country music singer Nicole Taylor, a member of the country trio Taylor Red, has died aged 35 following a battle with breast cancer.
Her death was announced by her identical sisters and fellow band members, Natalie and Nika, in an emotional YouTube video shared on Monday.
Nicole died in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 28.
In a statement published on the group’s website, Natalie and Nika paid tribute to their eldest sister, describing her as their leader and closest friend.
“Nicole, the oldest of us three sisters, will be greatly missed.
She was our leader and our best friend. We are heartbroken, but we know she is in Heaven and will see her again,” they wrote.
Opening their video announcement, the sisters said they were struggling to come to terms with the loss.
“This isn’t the video we thought we’d ever be making.
You know, we thought she would be here sharing her story of earthly healing, but instead we’re here sharing her story of heavenly healing and she’s at peace and no longer suffering, so we’re thankful for that,” they said.
Sisters Remember Nicole’s Leadership and Faith
Natalie and Nika spoke about their close relationship with Nicole, revealing that the three sisters shared an especially strong bond.
Natalie explained that Nicole was just one minute older than her and two minutes older than Nika.
She also described her as the person who regularly spoke on behalf of the trio and stood up for what she believed was right.
Nicole was also the first among the sisters to become a Christian.
Fighting back tears, Natalie and Nika said their sister’s character extended far beyond the qualities they had highlighted in the tribute.
They also thanked supporters who had prayed for Nicole throughout her illness, alongside the doctors and nurses who cared for her during treatment.
Nicole Was Diagnosed With Aggressive Breast Cancer in 2022
Natalie recalled the moment the family discovered Nicole had breast cancer in 2022.
She explained that they were together in a public place when Nicole received a telephone call from a nurse delivering the results of her biopsy.
The nurse asked whether Nicole had any family members with her before revealing the diagnosis.
Natalie said she immediately recognised that the conversation was about to deliver difficult news.
When the nurse confirmed that Nicole had cancer, Natalie broke down in shock and rushed into the hallway to inform Nika.
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Nicole responded by telling her sisters that God would use the experience for His glory.
The singer was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, which Natalie described as particularly aggressive.
According to her sisters, Nicole encouraged them not to live in fear or spend their time dreading the illness.
Instead, she insisted they should continue enjoying life throughout her treatment.
Cancer Progressed to Stage Four Despite Initial Treatment Success
Nicole initially responded well to treatment and eventually completed that stage of her cancer care, ringing the bell to mark the milestone.
Her sisters said she subsequently received confirmation that there was no evidence of disease.
However, the cancer later returned and progressed to stage four.
Following surgery, Nicole resumed cancer treatment while continuing to work two jobs and travel.
Her sisters said she remained determined to carry on with her daily activities and maintain a grateful outlook.
Approximately nine months later, the cancer returned in a more serious form.
Natalie recalled that Nicole eventually asked her doctors about her prognosis and was told she had approximately three months to live.
The medical team could not determine how much longer she might survive if treatment proved successful.
Her sister remembered being present when Nicole responded to the prognosis by telling the doctor: “Everyone will face judgment and I’m ready to.”
Sisters Share Nicole’s Christian Testimony
The tribute video also featured a recording of Nicole sharing her Christian testimony.
Natalie and Nika concluded their message by reflecting on their faith and expressing gratitude for what they described as the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
“We are so shocked and still shocked of her passing, but we are thankful for the miracle of the cross where Jesus Christ died and rose again and we can have a relationship with him and have victory over death,” they said.
They added that Nicole was now healed and no longer experiencing suffering.
The sisters also expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement they received throughout their sister’s illness, saying they remained thankful for God’s promises.
Private Funeral Held as Fans Are Invited to Support Charities
A private funeral service for Nicole has already taken place.
A memorial page has also been established in her name, allowing fans to make donations to charities she supported and considered favourites.
The announcement has given supporters an opportunity to honour the singer’s memory through contributions to the causes she cared about.
Taylor Red Built a Large Following in Country Music
Nicole performed alongside Natalie and Nika in Taylor Red, a country music group recognised for songs including Country Money and Rent Free.
The trio originally formed around 2010 in Hurley, Mississippi, under the name Red Roots before changing their name to Taylor Red in 2018.
They recorded their first album in 2010 and later gained widespread online attention through appearances in Sonic Drive-In commercials in 2020 and 2021.
The group also performed as an opening act for established musicians including Amy Grant, Diamond Rio, Josh Turner and Michael W. Smith.
Taylor Red developed a substantial online audience, accumulating more than 13 million followers on TikTok and over 16 million followers on YouTube.
