Carly Douglas, the influencer who inspired thousands by sharing her battle with stage 4 cancer online, has died.
The mum-of-three passed away on 13 June following what her family described as a “hard-fought battle” with the disease.
Douglas, who built a large social media following through posts about motherhood, health and fitness, had continued documenting her journey after receiving a devastating diagnosis earlier this year.
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Her death was announced by loved ones in an emotional tribute shared online, as reported by Need To Know.
The statement read: “On June 13, 2026, Carly Faye Douglas stepped into complete glory, in her final resting place.
“She met her Maker and Savior face to face, and her arms are full with her two Heaven babies.
“Carly fought cancer with grit and determination; while being full of hope and always pointing anyone who would listen, back to God, the One who held her in the palm of His hand.”
The tribute described Douglas, who is from Greer, South Carolina, USA, as “joy personified” and “pure sunshine”.
It added: “It felt as though her smile was permanently stitched on her face and her laugh was constantly waiting to bubble out of her.
“To be known by Carly Faye, was to be loved by Carly Faye.”
Douglas had amassed more than 130,000 followers on Instagram, where she regularly shared updates about family life with husband David and their three children, River, Faye and Townes.
Alongside this, she co-hosted the popular Spill, Mama podcast, where she openly discussed the realities of motherhood and family life.
Just months before her death, Douglas revealed she had been diagnosed with stage 4 gastric cancer after visiting hospital believing she was suffering from a bowel obstruction.
In an emotional video shared with followers, she explained that doctors discovered a large tumour in her stomach after scans revealed fluid build-up and inflammation throughout her abdomen.
Through tears, she told followers: “It’s truly like living in a nightmare and keep trying to wake up, but it’s very much real.
“I think it’s anyone’s worst nightmare, especially a mother.”
Doctors believed the cancer had originated in her stomach before spreading elsewhere in her body.
Despite the diagnosis, Douglas remained determined to fight the disease.
She told followers: “I’m gonna be OK, and I’m gonna fight. I have to for my kids.”
In the same video, she praised her faith and the support she had received from family, friends and followers.
She added: “I’m gonna beat this. I am gonna beat this. I’m gonna come out on the other side.
“I keep telling people that cancer picked the wrong girl, because I’m not gonna let this beat me.”
According to her obituary, Douglas continued displaying remarkable courage and optimism throughout her illness.
It stated: “Though Carly had always been resilient, the courage and faith she displayed throughout the last several months revealed what those who loved her already knew: she possessed an incredible combination of determination, grace, and unwavering hope.
“She fought fiercely for every moment with the people she loved and held tightly to her belief in God’s power and goodness until her Heavenly homecoming.
“She was a fighter until the end.”
The obituary described her as someone whose presence left a lasting impact on everyone she met.
It said: “If you asked a room full of people to describe Carly in one word, the most likely response would be ‘joy’.
“Carly was joy personified and pure sunshine.
“People often talk about those who ‘light up a room’, but Carly was more than that. She didn’t simply bring light into a space. She embodied it.”
Loved ones said her greatest joy was her family.
The obituary added: “Above all else, Carly’s greatest joy was her family.
“She was a devoted wife to her best friend, David, and a loving mother to River, Faye, and Townes.”
Following news of her death, tributes poured in online from followers who had followed her cancer journey.
On Reddit, one person wrote: “Since the moment I found her initial post getting her diagnosis, she has lived rent free in my mind.
“I have 3 children, same ages as hers, and reading her story shook every ounce of my body.
“I was in the airport on Friday when I read her post saying she had days to live. I was with my husband and we both cried reading it – this story is just so sad. My heart breaks for her family. It’s not fair.”
Another added: “Nooo! That is so so sad. I was really hoping she would beat the odds. She seemed like such a nice person and she had those young babies.”
Douglas is survived by her husband David, children River, Faye and Townes, her parents, siblings and extended family.
A celebration of her life is due to take place on 20 June at Taylors First Baptist Church in South Carolina.
In keeping with Douglas’ personality, mourners have been asked to wear bright colours.
Her obituary concludes: “While our grief on this side of eternity is immense, we find peace in knowing that the faith Carly carried throughout her life has now become sight.
“She is healed, whole, and home.”
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