Nicole Taylor, a cherished voice in country music radio, died on September 28 after a valiant battle with breast cancer, leaving a profound impact on her colleagues at Taste of Country.
At only 35, Taylor joined Taste of Country in 2024 as the co-host of Taste of Country Mornings with Wood and Nicole. With her vibrant personality, she engaged audiences early each day through enthusiastic discussions and interviews with notable guests, all while sharing her love for country music. Beyond her work on air, Taylor was also part of the popular content creation trio, Taylor Red, alongside her sisters Nika and Natalie, captivating a broad audience across social media platforms.
Tributes from Colleagues
Colleagues have expressed heartfelt remembrances of Taylor since her passing. Wood, her co-host, reflected on their deep friendship and her selfless nature, noting how she consistently prioritized others’ happiness, making her presence a source of joy. “She will be missed by many, which is a sign of how special she was,” he remarked.
Adison Haager, another team member, admired Taylor’s calming presence and thoughtful communication style. “She always made you feel like you were heard and seen,” Haager emphasized, admiring Taylor’s ability to engage with both colleagues and country music icons with genuine interest. She also cherished their conversations about faith, highlighting Taylor’s perspective on her cancer journey, which was marked by profound positivity.
Evan Paul remembered Taylor’s natural warmth and curiosity. Recalling their first meeting, he noted how she immediately focused on learning about others, a testament to her caring nature. Paul added, “Her light was so bright. I am convinced that when you see a star shooting across the sky at night, it’s Nicole giving us a wink.”
A Lasting Legacy
Rabab Al-Sharif, the editorial director at Taste of Country, shared her amazement at Taylor’s eagerness to learn and improve, stating, “She seemed genuinely happy to be learning something new.” This attitude, along with her joyful approach to her work and the people around her, made a lasting impression on the team.
Following Taylor’s passing, her sisters Nika and Natalie provided insight into their shared experiences and their sister’s perseverance during her illness through a video on their YouTube channel. “From all of the staff at Taste of Country, we love Nicole and her family,” the team expressed. “She will be missed, but never forgotten.”