After squashing marriage rumors earlier this year, Braxton tells PEOPLE how she’s approaching single life amid preparation for her Las Vegas residency

Toni Braxton in West Hollywood, California in March 2024. PHOTO: FRAZER HARRISON/GETTY

Single life looks good on Toni Braxton.

Toni Braxton, the R&B legend, recently dismissed speculations about rekindling a relationship with her former fiancé Birdman towards the end of last year. As she gears up for her Love & Laughter residency alongside Cedric the Entertainer at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Braxton, 56, is embracing her single status.

“Being single feels good,” Braxton shares with PEOPLE. “I haven’t fully experienced it yet, but I plan to soon because I’ve been fully immersed in preparing for this show.”

Toni Braxton performs in Atlanta in March 2024.PARAS GRIFFIN/GETTY

“I am looking forward to getting out there and dating. I mean, dating can be scary too. It can be a little bit,” adds the seven-time Grammy winer. “But a nice guy, someone who will watch Lifetime with me all day long — [or] at least once in the week.”

“It might be a little difficult,” quips Braxton. “I’ll take my time.”

In December, the “Un-Break My Heart” singer took to Instagram and squashed rumors that she’d gotten married to Birdman, whom she was previously set to marry before they called off the engagement in 2019 — though they’ve reportedly since dated on and off.

Toni Braxton.COURTESY OF TONI BRAXTON

In response to ongoing speculation, Braxton addressed the rumors surrounding her relationship with rapper Birdman, asserting, “My dear friend @birdman and I are not married…never been married. We are both single.”

Braxton, who was previously married to singer-songwriter Keri Lewis from 2001 to 2013, shares two sons, Diezel Ky, 20, and Denim Cole, 22, with him.

The statement from Braxton aimed to put an end to the swirling rumors about her marital status with Birdman.

Toni Braxton Slams Marriage Rumors with Rapper Birdman, Says They’re Both Single

Cedric the Entertainer and Toni Braxton.IVAN DUNCAN

Toni Braxton is gearing up for her upcoming Love & Laughter residency, set to kick off on April 27. This unique show will blend her singing prowess with Cedric’s comedic talents, reminiscent of classic live variety programs. Braxton described it as akin to the dynamic duos like Sonny and Cher or Donny and Marie.

She explained, “It’s not like I’m going to go on stage first, and then Cedric performs. We’re coming out together, in different acts, and we intermingle between those acts for funny bits. And this man is so talented — he can really sing,” Braxton added. “He’s, like, a triple threat. I had no idea.”

In turn, Cedric expressed his admiration for Braxton’s versatility onstage. “We know Toni from the beautiful love ballads and everybody just kind of sees her as this sultry sultress, but she likes to have a good time,” he noted. “She’s not gonna be telling jokes jokes — but she is funny.”

Toni Braxton Slams Marriage Rumors with Rapper Birdman, Says They’re Both Single

The R&B superstar shut down fan speculation that she and the rapper were married in a private ceremony

Birdman and Toni Braxton. PHOTO: CRAIG BARRITT/GETTY IMAGES FOR LIFETIME

Toni Braxton took to Instagram to set the record straight regarding rumors of her marriage to former fiancé Birdman. The R&B icon, aged 56, dispelled speculations over the weekend, asserting that they are not married and are no longer together romantically.

Braxton addressed the rumors by sharing a screenshot of a news article claiming their marriage, with the headline “Congratulations! Toni Braxton & Birdman Married In A Private Ceremony In Mexico!” She labeled it “#FAKENEWS” and emphasized in the caption, “My dear friend @birdman and I are not married…never been married.”

Further clarifying their relationship status, she stated, “We are both single,” confirming that they have parted ways. While Braxton did not specify when their relationship ended, it’s known they had been dating on and off since calling off their engagement in 2019.

Just a couple of months ago, in November 2023, Braxton had shared a photo of herself and Birdman sharing a kiss on Instagram, although the post has since been deleted.
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The “Another Sad Love Song” singer and the Cash Money Records co-founder began their relationship as friends and collaborators — dating back to when they first worked together on Birdman’s 2002 single “Baby Can You Do It.”

The two started dating in 2016 when Braxton found a strong support system with the hip-hop artist amid her ongoing battle with Lupus.

Two years into their romance, the R&B star told PEOPLE in 2018 that she never expected her friendship with her “bestie for like 15 or 16 years” would turn into something more. “He has come to my baby showers, my plays, my shows. I never thought we would be dating or getting married,” she said.

Toni Braxton and Birdman.PARAS GRIFFIN/BET/GETTY IMAGES FOR BET

She explained that he came to every one of her shows at a time when she was experiencing health complications. “Every night he would ask me, ‘Are you okay? Are you good?’ I said, ‘Oh my God, he’s such a great guy!’ ” the performer shared. “When Birdman finally made his move, he told me he always liked me and I was like, ‘You never told me!’ And he’s like, ‘Well, you were married!’ He said, ‘I was always digging you.’ ”

In February 2018, Braxton confirmed that she and the “Bugatti” rapper were engaged after two years of dating in the trailer for the new season of her family’s hit WeTV reality show Braxton Family Values. By the start of 2019, though, the two musicians revealed that they no longer had plans to tie the knot.

Braxton was previously married to singer-songwriter Keri Lewis — with whom she shares sons Diezel Ky, 20, and Denim Cole, 22, — from 2001 to