Traci Braxton, a renowned singer who also starred in "Braxton Family Values," has died. She was 50.
Her sister, Toni Braxton, first confirmed the news in a statement on Instagram. She uploaded a black-and-white photo of herself along with her siblings as she paid tribute to the late singer.
"It is with the utmost regret that we inform you of the passing of our sister, Traci," Toni penned. "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."
The "Un-Break My Heart" hitmaker also called Braxton a "snowflake" as she died while the snow was falling outside their home. She also asked for privacy as the family deals with one of the darkest days in their life.
Toni did not reveal further details about her sister's death. But Kevin Surratt, the singer's husband, revealed that Traci Braxton's cause of death was cancer.
Traci Braxton's Cause of Death Heartbreaking
In a statement to PEOPLE, he disclosed that the 50-year-old battled against the dreaded illness throughout the past year.
"We have come to a time where we must inform the public that after a year of privately undergoing a series of treatments for Esophageal cancer our beloved Traci Braxton has gone on to glory," Surratt said.
According to the National Cancer Institute, esophageal cancer starts when cancer cells form in a patient's esophagus. Some of the lifestyles that trigger the disease include heavy alcohol use and smoking. Still, other health issues, like the Barret esophagus, can lead to the same illness.
Although Braxton left the world earlier than expected, a family representative revealed she was surrounded by family and friends at the time of her passing.
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Braxton first conquered the music industry in October 2014 when she released her solo debut album, "Crash & Burn." She dropped the LP after releasing her hit single, "Last Call."
Following the initial success she savored, she made a follow-up single in 2015, titled "Perfect Time," before dropping her second studio album, "On Earth." Her sisters joined her in creating the latter album by singing in its songs, like "Lifeline" and "Broken Things."
Aside from being a singer, Braxton also spent her time taking part in their family's reality show, "Braxton Family Values." She and her husband then joined the third season of "Marriage Boot Camp" years later.
Braxton also had more acting credits, including "Sinners Wanted," "Chaaw," and "The Christmas Lottery."
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