**Toni Braxton at 57: The Truth Behind the Rumors and Her Resilience**
At 57, Toni Braxton has finally addressed long-standing rumors about her relationship with rapper Birdman, confirming what many fans suspected.
Their romance began in 2016, after years of friendship, and Birdman became a source of support for Toni during her battle with lupus. In 2018, the couple announced their engagement, but by early 2019, they had called off the wedding.
The breakup fueled speculation, especially after a video surfaced of Birdman kissing Lil Wayne, leading to rumors about Birdman’s sexuality. Birdman and other Cash Money artists explained that such gestures were signs of brotherhood, not romantic involvement.
Despite the rumors, Toni and Birdman have maintained a close bond. In late 2023, Toni posted and then deleted a photo of them kissing, suggesting they were still connected. Fans continue to wonder about the true nature of their relationship, but Toni has chosen to keep some details private.
Braxton’s love life has often been complicated. She previously went through a painful divorce from musician Keri Lewis after 12 years of marriage. The split was partly due to financial struggles and Toni’s deteriorating health from lupus, which made her feel like a burden.
She has spoken candidly about the guilt she felt, believing her illness drove Lewis away.
Toni’s career has also faced significant challenges. She filed for bankruptcy twice, first in the late 1990s and again in 2010 after health issues forced her to cancel a lucrative Las Vegas residency.
During these times, she even considered posing for Playboy to ease her financial woes, but ultimately decided against it for her family’s sake. She later rebuilt her career through reality TV and new music.
Toni’s health struggles have been ongoing. Diagnosed with lupus in 2008, she has had to make significant lifestyle changes, including adopting a plant-based diet and using CBD products to manage pain.
Recently, she revealed she nearly suffered a fatal heart attack, crediting her late sister Traci, who died of cancer in 2022, with watching over her. The loss of her sister and niece Lauren have been particularly hard on Toni, leaving deep emotional scars.
Motherhood has brought its own challenges. Toni once blamed herself for her son’s autism, believing it was punishment for an abortion she had years earlier. Over time, she has worked through her guilt and learned to accept and support her children unconditionally.
Despite heartbreak, health scares, and public scrutiny, Toni Braxton remains resilient.
She continues to perform, advocate for lupus awareness, and cherish her family. Her story is one of perseverance, showing that even in the face of adversity, she continues to rise, inspiring fans with her honesty and strength.
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