The passing of Traci Braxton shocked fans around the world. Known for her warmth, authenticity, and role on Braxton Family Values, she died at just 50 years old after a private battle with cancer.
The news was shared by her older sister, Toni Braxton, in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“It is with the utmost regret that we inform you of the passing of our sister, Traci,” the “Un-Break My Heart” singer wrote.
“Needless to say, she was a bright light, a wonderful daughter, an amazing sister, a loving mother, wife, grandmother and a respected performer. We will miss her dearly,” she continues.
“Traci passed this morning as the snow was falling, our angel is now a snowflake. We ask that you respect our privacy as we plan to send her home with love, celebrating her life. We are family forever.”
Traci’s husband, Kevin Surratt, also confirmed the news in a statement, sharing that the “Braxton Family Values” star had been battling cancer for the past year.
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“We have come to a time where we must inform the public that after a year of privately undergoing a series of treatment for Esophageal cancer our beloved Traci Braxton has gone on to glory,” Surratt says.
Traci “was surrounded by family and friends at the time of her passing,” her publicist Tomasina Perkins-Washington shares.
Her story is more than a celebrity loss—it is a powerful reminder of how serious, silent, and often overlooked certain diseases can be.
Traci Braxton’s diagnosis was not widely known during her life. She quietly underwent treatment for about a year before her death, surrounded by loved ones.
Esophageal cancer—her diagnosis—is considered one of the more aggressive and difficult-to-detect cancers. It forms in the lining of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
Because symptoms often appear late, many people are diagnosed at advanced stages, making outcomes more severe.
Esophageal cancer has two main types:
Both types can be life-threatening, especially when not caught early.
Many of the symptoms of esophageal cancer sound like COPD symptoms as well.
But not to be confused, here are other symptoms of COPD that you may want to look out for to help explain to your doctor:
Those who have been diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition caused by chronic acid reflux, also have a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Your doctor can help you determine what signs and symptoms you need to watch for that may be a signal of your condition worsening.
If you have Barrett’s esophagus, you may also consider discussing the pros and cons of screening with your doctor.
One of the biggest dangers of esophageal cancer is how easily its symptoms can be mistaken for less serious conditions like acid reflux.
Key symptoms include:
These signs may seem minor at first—but persistent symptoms should never be ignored.
Several factors can increase the risk of esophageal cancer:
Notably, some studies suggest certain groups—including Black men—may face higher risks for specific forms of the disease.
Treatment depends on how early the cancer is found, but may include:
Early detection dramatically improves survival rates, but unfortunately, esophageal cancer is often diagnosed late.
For many, Traci was most notable for…appearing alongside her sisters Toni, Tamar, Trina and Towanda on their hit reality series “Braxton Family Values”.
She grew up in Severn, Maryland in a religious household alongside her sisters, mom, dad and older brother, Michael Jr. Her first performance was in her church choir.
Traci had several accomplishments under her belt as a solo artist, actress and host of a radio show. In October 2014, she released her solo debut album, titled “Crash & Burn”, after her popular single “Last Call”, which peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 2015, she released her single “Perfect Time” prior to releasing her second studio album “On Earth” in 2018. That project featured her single “Lifeline” as well as “Broken Things,” which featured guest vocals from sisters Toni, Towanda, 48, and Trina, 47.
In addition to “Braxton Family Values”, Traci appeared on another reality show, “Marriage Boot Camp”, with her husband during the series’ third season.
RELATED: Tamar Braxton Opens Up After Suicide Attempt: “Mental Illness is Real”
Traci’s resume also included some acting credits, including “Sinners Wanted”, “The Christmas Lottery”, and “Chaaw”, which is currently in post-production.
Traci also contributed much of her adult life to social work for children with disabilities, according to her website. She supported charities and nonprofit organizations that focused on helping women and children facing health and societal challenges.
While Traci Braxton will always be remembered for her voice, humor, and family bonds, her story now carries an added weight: awareness.
Her passing is not just a moment of mourning—it’s a moment of reflection.
Because sometimes, the biggest health threats are the ones we least expect.
Traci Braxton’s life was filled with love, music, and connection—but her death is a reminder that health cannot be taken for granted.
If her story encourages even one person to get checked, ask questions, or act sooner—it becomes more than a loss. It becomes a life-saving lesson.
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