The Braxton family is returning to TV with a new reality show and famous singer Tony Braxton is opening up about why they felt it was “really important” to perform together once again.
On Sunday, Tony walked the red carpet at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 32nd Annual Oscar Viewing Party in West Hollywood, where she opened up to ET’s Cassie DiLaura about her new TV series WE, The Braxtons – which occurs three years after the end of the Braxton Family Values and two years later the death of Toni’s sister, Traci Braxton.
“You know, it’s really important (because) we lost one of our sisters, she wanted us to do this show again and we were hesitant at first,” Toni shared. “But we said, ‘Let’s do this for Traci.’”
“What’s really important about doing our show is (telling) real stories about family,” she added. “And I think when people see our stories, maybe we can help them cope with a loss in their family.”
Traci died on March 12, 2022 at age 50 after a battle with esophageal cancer. Now, Toni and her family—including Towanda, Trina and Tamar, as well as family matriarch Dr. Evelyn Braxton—are healing and overcoming their loss on their new show.
“Everyone has suffered losses in their families and, for us, it was the first and it has been difficult to deal with it”, reflected Toni. “But we had so many people, so many fans welcoming us, so that part helps us. I don’t think people realize how much they are helping us.”
Toni added that they “started filming last week.”
The show is set to air on WE tv, but no premiere date has been announced yet.
As for Star-Studded Oscar Viewing Party on Sundaywhich was held to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Toni attended the event alongside her son, Denim Cole Braxton, and the two were all smiles as they posed on the red carpet.
“(I felt) it was important to be here, and my son wanted to come, my 21-year-old son,” Toni said. “He said, ‘Mom, I need to meet Mr. Elton John!’ I said, ‘Sir Elton John, son.
“(Plus), it’s fabulous to go out! I haven’t been out in a while, so it’s nice to dress up and show off your outfit sometimes,” Toni added with a smile.
The gala event – which featured an exclusive live performance from the retired “Rocket Man” singer – raised a record $10.8 million for the foundation, Variety reports. The event has raised more than $100 million in total over the three decades since it began.
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