Taylor Rousseau Grigg, who passed away on Oct. 5 at the age of 25, had been open about her health challenges and struggles in the months leading up to her death. Her husband, Cameron Grigg, confirmed her passing, and she had previously shared insights into her life with her over one million TikTok followers, told NBC News.
In an Aug. 8 TikTok post, Taylor candidly addressed comments about her health and demeanor. “Some people have opinions about what they think is wrong with me,” she began. “One of the first comments I’ve seen is a girl saying I just don’t look happy, and the truth is it’s just because I’m not faking a smile like I’ve done in the past for the camera.”
Taylor explained how the pressure of being a content creator had taken a toll on her mental health. She added in an overlay comment that she was working to rediscover joy in her work. “When I first started, I enjoyed filming and being in front of the camera,” she said. “But after a while, with the pressure to succeed and be everything people expect, that smile fades, and you begin to put on a facade—I’m done doing that.”
Despite her decision to be more authentic, Taylor also shared how her physical health had worsened. She described a chronic condition that left her so weak she struggled to walk to her mailbox and was often in bed, “writhing” in pain.
“I feel like I’m fighting for life every day,” she said tearfully. “It’s like I’ve lost who I am, and I’m trying to find myself again.”
In response to some speculative comments blaming her husband for her mood, Taylor firmly defended him. “Cameron is the best thing that ever happened to me,” she stated. “He is a great husband and a great guy. If he was making me unhappy, I would’ve left.”
Taylor also explained her decision not to disclose her diagnosis publicly, saying it prevented people from offering unsolicited advice. “That leaves room for people to make suggestions and tell me what to do,” she noted. “In the past, I found myself following advice from people on the Internet, trying to be who they wanted me to be. I’m done with that.”
Following Taylor’s death, Cameron paid tribute to his wife in an emotional Instagram post. “In spite of everything, she was always a light and brought joy to everyone around her,” he wrote. “She is the bravest and strongest woman I know, and her faith in the Lord outweighed every circumstance she faced, even in her darkest hours. She has saved my life and so many others.”