Key Takeaways
- Toni Braxton rose to fame with her 1993 debut album but has battled serious health issues including lupus and heart problems.
- After nearly retiring in 2013, she made a successful comeback with new albums in 2018 and 2020.
- She remains an active force in R&B music despite her health challenges.
Toni Braxton is very much alive and continues to be an influential force in the music industry.
Despite facing severe health challenges, the Grammy-winning singer remains active in both her professional and personal life.
After departing from the sibling group The Braxtons in 1991, Toni Braxton quickly rose to fame as a solo artist.
Her 1993 self-titled debut album was a massive success, featuring hits like Breathe Again and Another Sad Love Song, which propelled her to the top of the Billboard charts.
She won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist and solidified her place as one of the most promising voices of the decade.
Health Struggles And Near-Death Experience
While Braxton’s career was soaring, she faced numerous personal and health struggles.
She was diagnosed with microvascular angina, which led to financial and legal issues after her Las Vegas residency was canceled.
In 2008, she publicly revealed that she had been battling systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the body’s organs.
In 2023, Braxton disclosed a terrifying health scare where she narrowly avoided a fatal heart attack.
Doctors discovered that 80% of a main artery in her heart was blocked, requiring emergency surgery.
She later shared that her sister, Traci Braxton, who passed away from esophageal cancer, was her guardian angel during this ordeal.
Retirement And Comeback
In 2013, Braxton announced her retirement from music, citing a loss of passion. However, music legend Prince convinced her to continue, reminding her of her unique gift.
She made a comeback with her 2018 album Sex & Cigarettes, which earned a Grammy nomination, and in 2020, she released Spell My Name, featuring the hit single Gotta Move On.
Braxton has also continued to engage in television and reality shows, including Braxton Family Values and The Masked Singer.
Despite ongoing health concerns, she remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Her 1996 album Secrets elevated her to international superstardom, with chart-topping singles like You’re Makin’ Me High/Let It Flow and the timeless ballad Un-Break My Heart.
- Over the years, Braxton has sold over 70 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists of all time.
- She has also received numerous accolades, including seven Grammy Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, and seven American Music Awards.
