Niki Taylor, once a renowned supermodel, now enjoys a more tranquil existence in Nashville, prioritising family life over the glamour that once defined her career. At 51, the mother of four and grandmother to one reflects on her remarkable journey in the fashion industry while cherishing her current role as a devoted wife and mother.
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In an industry dominated by youth and impermanence, Taylor made waves starting at a young age. Her ascent to fame began when she graced the cover of *Seventeen* magazine at just 14 years old. By the age of 15, she became one of the youngest models to feature on the cover of *Vogue*. At 17, she achieved a remarkable feat, being the only model to have six billboards simultaneously displayed in Times Square.
The South Florida native was not only a prominent figure on runways but also the face of several prestigious brands, including Cover Girl and Versace. Despite her impressive accomplishments, in a recent interview with *People*, Taylor shared the challenges of balancing her early career with the trials of adolescence. She described her experiences as living a dichotomous life, where she was often flanked by adults in the fashion world while striving to navigate high school.
“My life felt split in two,” Taylor reflected. “I was trying to fit in at my high school, but when I showed up on set, I was surrounded by models who were a decade older than me. There’s no manual for dealing with that.” Fortunately, she had the unwavering support of her family and a trustworthy manager, which she credits for her ability to manage her burgeoning career amid the turbulence of youth.
The devastation of losing her younger sister, Krissy, to an undiagnosed heart condition at the age of 17 in 1995 profoundly impacted Taylor’s life. She recalled the heartache that followed and acknowledged that while the grief never truly fades, time has helped to ease the burden. “I think about her often,” Taylor said. “She was my best friend, and we shared a bond that felt akin to being twins, despite her being younger.”
Fast forward to the present, Taylor has settled into a peaceful life with her husband Burney Lamar, a professional race car driver, and their two younger children, Ciel and Rex. The couple, married in 2006, embrace family life in Nashville, forging their own path in the city away from the spotlight that once shone so brightly on Taylor.
Taylor’s experience as a young mother began when she and her first husband welcomed twins, Hunter and Jake, when she was just 19 years old. Reflecting on her motherhood journey, she expressed pride in watching her sons become responsible adults, stating, “To see Jake and Hunter grow into the men they are today makes me proud.”
The joy of family continued to expand when her son Hunter and his wife welcomed her first grandchild, Nico, in 2025. Taylor’s enthusiasm for her grandson is palpable, saying, “My grandson Nico is delightful! He already has eight teeth and dances like no other.” Spending quality time with her family has infused her life with a renewed sense of purpose and pride.
As she reflects on her past, Taylor is grateful for the quieter existence she now enjoys. “I do prefer privacy,” she admits. “I’ve always been somewhat of a loner. Life now is much more natural for me than it was in the ‘90s. Although I appreciated the busyness of my career, I missed being present for my twin sons.”
Despite her retreat from the relentless pace of modelling, Taylor has not abandoned her passion for fashion. She continues to model sporadically while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and fitness. “I like to think that we spend the first half of our lives accumulating, and the second half simplifying,” she said wistfully.
In the ebb and flow of her career and personal life, Niki Taylor showcases a remarkable journey, demonstrating that the brightest stars can also find serenity beyond the spotlight. As she raises her family and cherishes her roots, she maintains an appreciation for the past while embracing the future with open arms.