Singer, actor and reality TV personality Traci Braxton has died at age 50 after a private battle with esophageal 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 54-year-old “Un-Break My Heart” singer wrote.
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“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.”
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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 son, Kevin Surratt Jr., also made an Instagram post about the passing of his mother.
“When I heard the news about my mother being sick first thing she said was I’m going to fight and beat this,” he says. “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’s isn’t in pain anymore,” he adds. “I love you ma I’m going to miss you.”
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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.
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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.
What is esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus — a long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach, helping you move the food you swallow from the back of your throat to your stomach to be digested, the Mayo Clinic notes.
This form of cancer usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus and can occur anywhere along the esophagus. It is the sixth most common cause of death worldwide and is more common in men than women.
Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer include:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Weight loss without trying
- Chest pain, pressure or burning
- Worsening indigestion or heartburn
- Coughing or hoarseness
However, early esophageal cancer usually has no signs or symptoms.
If you have any persistent signs and symptoms that worry you, you should see a doctor immediately.
Esophageal Cancer vs. COPD
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:
- Chronic cough
- Shortness of breath while doing everyday activities
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds
- Fatigue
- Producing a lot of mucus
- Wheezing
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.
