Traci Braxton: A Complete Biographical Profile
Traci Renee Braxton was a dynamic American singer, reality television personality, and radio host whose career was characterized by a powerful resurgence later in life. She was known for her infectious laugh, her candid nature, and her unwavering devotion to her family, despite the public challenges they faced.
- Full Name: Traci Renee Braxton
- Born: April 2, 1971, in Severn, Maryland
- Died: March 12, 2022 (Age 50)
- Cause of Death: Esophageal Cancer
- Spouse: Kevin Surratt Sr. (Married 1996)
- Child: Kevin Surratt Jr. (Born 1996)
- Siblings: Toni Braxton, Towanda Braxton, Trina Braxton, Tamar Braxton, and Michael Braxton Jr.
- Occupations: Singer, Reality Television Personality, Radio Personality, Actress
- Notable Works: *Braxton Family Values*, "Last Call," *Crash & Burn* (Album)
The Late-Career Resurgence: From Sister Act to Solo Star
Traci Braxton’s journey to stardom was unique among her sisters, marked by a delay in her solo aspirations that ultimately led to a powerful second act. Initially, she was a founding member of the R&B group The Braxtons, alongside Toni, Towanda, Trina, and Tamar. However, when Toni Braxton broke out as a solo superstar, Traci stepped away from the music industry for a time, focusing on her family and other pursuits.
The Reality TV Platform: *Braxton Family Values*
Traci’s career truly reignited in 2011 with the premiere of the WE tv reality series *Braxton Family Values* (BFV). The show chronicled the lives of the Braxton sisters and their mother, Evelyn Braxton, offering a raw, emotional, and often humorous look at their complex dynamics. Traci quickly became a fan favorite, celebrated for her down-to-earth personality and her willingness to be vulnerable on camera. BFV became the launchpad for her long-deferred solo music career.
A Solo Voice: *Crash & Burn* and "Last Call"
Capitalizing on her newfound fame and confidence, Traci finally released her debut solo album, *Crash & Burn*, in October 2014. The album was a passion project that showcased her distinct voice and R&B sensibilities. The lead single, "Last Call," was a critical success, peaking at number 16 on the US R&B Adult chart, proving that she could step out of her famous sister’s shadow and forge her own path. She followed this success with her sophomore album, *On Earth*, in 2018. Traci also expanded her acting resume, appearing in films and in the reality series *Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars*.
Traci Braxton’s Enduring Legacy and the Family’s Ongoing Grief in 2025
The most poignant and current aspect of Traci Braxton’s story revolves around her death in 2022 and the way her family continues to honor her in the public eye. Traci kept her year-long battle with esophageal cancer private, choosing to share her final moments surrounded by her closest family members.
The Emotional Toll on *The Braxtons*
The family’s new reality series, *The Braxtons*, which started airing after her passing, has become a powerful, if sometimes controversial, platform for processing their collective grief. The show has highlighted the deep emotional impact of her loss, with sisters like Toni Braxton breaking down on camera while reflecting on how much she misses Traci every day. Towanda and Trina Braxton have also used the series to discuss the importance of fulfilling Traci's last wishes and defending her memory, demonstrating that the sisterly bond remains strong despite the immense pain.
Complexities with Husband and Son
Traci's passing also brought to light complex family dynamics, particularly concerning her husband, Kevin Surratt Sr., and her son, Kevin Surratt Jr. The discussion of funeral arrangements and Traci's final representative duties—which she entrusted to her son—were reportedly a source of tension between her husband and the Braxton sisters. Furthermore, her son, Kevin Surratt Jr., has faced his own public challenges, including legal troubles, which were compounded by the emotional turmoil of losing his mother. These ongoing, public family struggles ensure that Traci's name and story remain in the media spotlight in 2025, as the family navigates life without their beloved sister.
A Call for Cancer Awareness
Traci Braxton’s private battle and eventual death from esophageal cancer have inadvertently raised awareness for a disease that often goes undiagnosed until later stages. Her story serves as a tragic reminder of the disease’s severity and the importance of early detection, becoming a part of her enduring, unintended public health legacy.
Traci Braxton was more than just a reality star; she was a fighter who found her voice and her spotlight later in life. Her journey—from the early days of The Braxtons to her solo success with "Last Call" and her candid life on television—is a testament to perseverance. As her family continues to share their tributes and struggles on screen in 2025, Traci's vibrant, unforgettable spirit ensures that her legacy remains a powerful and emotionally resonant chapter in the story of the Braxton family.
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