Traci Braxton Passes Away at 50
By Hannah Dunbar
The American singer, reality TV and radio personality, Traci Braxton passed away at the age of 50 on Sunday, March 11. Traci Braxton was diagnosed with cancer for about a year. She was battling cancer in the esophagus. Braxton’s sisters, mother and friends were by her side when she passed. Traci’s older sister, Grammy-award winning artist Toni Braxton, was the one to break the tragic news. On Saturday, March 12, Toni went onto her Instagram account to announce the passing of her younger sister, Traci.
“It is with the utmost regret that we inform you of the passing of our sister, Traci. 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,” said Toni.
Toni asked everyone to please respect the Braxton family’s privacy as they plan to send her home with love and celebrate her life. At the end of the post she said, “We are family forever.”
Traci Braxton was born on April 2, 1971, in Severn, Maryland. She was a producer and actress, known for “Sinners Wanted” (2018), “There’s a Stranger in My House” (2017) and “Chaaw” (2022). She and her sisters were also on a reality TV show known as “Braxton Family Values” which aired on WE tv. After working with her sisters in the musical group The Braxtons, Traci released her first solo album in 2013. Traci has also starred in a number of movies, including: Sinners Wanted, All in, and The Christmas Lottery.
Traci was married to Kevin Surratt, known for his production work on Great Day Washington, a morning talk show. The two have one child together, Kevin Surratt Jr. A few weeks prior to her death, Traci Braxton gave a birthday shoutout to her son’s 26th birthday
Following the death of Traci, both Surratt and their son shared tributes to the late singer and actress.
“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,” said Surratt in a statement.
“When I heard the news about my mother being sick the first thing she said was I’m going to fight and beat this,” stated Kevin Jr. on Instagram, “She fought to the end and today she’s at peace. I love my mother forever and this hurts so much but I’m at peace knowing she isn’t in pain anymore.”
The network, WE TV released a statement on Traci’s death as well.
“Traci Braxton has been in the lives of TV viewers for years and will always be part of the WE tv family,” they said, “Gone far too soon, we celebrate her life and memory and send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Braxton family during this difficult time. Her light and spirit live on.”