The return of The Braxtons on WeTV on August 9, 2024, marked a poignant moment for fans and the Braxton family alike, as they navigated life and family dynamics in the wake of Traci Braxton’s passing. Traci, a beloved member of the Braxton clan and the heart of the series, left behind a legacy of memorable moments and a profound impact on her family.
Source: Instagram/@tracibraxton
Traci Braxton’s Legacy and Kevin Surratt Sr.
Traci Braxton and her husband, Kevin Surratt Sr., were married for 25 years, from August 31, 1996, until Traci’s death in March 2022. Kevin Sr., known for his behind-the-scenes work as a producer on Great Day Washington, was once a central figure in the show, providing a glimpse into their enduring relationship. The couple’s journey was not without its challenges, but they appeared to overcome many of them, as evidenced by their participation in Marriage Boot Camp: Celebrity Edition in 2014.
However, since Traci’s death, Kevin Sr. has faced significant scrutiny and discord, particularly concerning the arrangements made for Traci’s memorial. An insider claimed that Kevin Sr. and Traci’s manager organized a funeral that Traci had reportedly not wanted. According to these claims, Traci had requested to be cremated immediately, bypassing a traditional funeral. The situation was further complicated by accusations that Traci’s family members, including her sisters and mother, were not invited to the service, and that Traci’s father, Michael Braxton Sr., faced difficulties accessing the funeral.
In response, Kevin Sr. refuted these claims, asserting that Traci’s family was indeed invited and that the decisions made were in line with what Traci had expressed. He emphasized his role in Traci’s care throughout her illness and lamented being portrayed as a “deadbeat husband.”
Source: Instagram/@tracibraxton
Strained Relationships and Personal Struggles
The premiere of The Braxtons also shed light on the strained relationship between Kevin Sr. and their son, Kevin Surratt Jr. Trina Braxton revealed that the father-son bond had deteriorated following Traci’s death. Trina expressed her desire for them to reconcile, acknowledging the difficulty of coping with such a loss and the added strain of their fallout over Traci’s funeral arrangements.
In addition to family tensions, Kevin Jr. is facing personal turmoil. He recently announced his divorce from his wife, Olivia Haaron, after three years of marriage. The couple, who had been together for a decade and share two children, are navigating the complexities of separation while dealing with their own grief.
Despite the challenges, Kevin Jr. and Kevin Sr. appear to be making efforts to rebuild their relationship. Their social media posts suggest attempts to connect, even as they deal with their respective personal and familial struggles.
Moving Forward
As The Braxtons continues to explore these deeply personal and emotional themes, viewers are witnessing a family in the midst of significant change and challenge. The show offers a window into their lives as they work through their grief and attempt to mend relationships, all while honoring Traci’s memory and the impact she had on their lives.
The coming episodes are likely to provide further insight into how the Braxton family is handling their loss and evolving in the wake of Traci’s passing. Fans can continue to follow their journey and offer support as they navigate these complex and poignant moments.
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