Singer and reality television star Toni Braxton says she has no plans to legally end her marriage to her estranged husband Keri Lewis because she doesn't want to break the devastating news to her children. Braxton and Lewis, like many couples seen by family attorneys in Pasadena, have decided to co-parent and work as a team even though they have been officially separated since 2009.
Braxton is one of those singers whose turbulent personal life has overshadowed her career. She long has had financial woes - even bankruptcy issues. Likewise, the singer has battled health rumors and problems, ranging from her own fight with Lupus to having a son with autism. All have been much chronicled by the press.
Yet what exactly happened between her and Lewis, a member of the R&B act Mint Condition, has largely remained a mystery. On a promotional blitz for her new reality show, Braxton Family Values, the singer opened up to Sister 2 Sister magazine. When the couple parted ways in 2009, celebrity bloggers speculated that Braxton had left Lewis for singer Trey Songz, who served as a producer on her album Pulse. The rumors were fueled by a very public kiss by the pair at the Soul Train Awards. Braxton remains mum about Songz but did tell the publication why she and Lewis haven't officially divorced.
"We co-parent together," Braxton said. "Sometimes he stays over with the kids; he's very involved with his kids... April would have been 15 years (since we wed). We're, like, the best of friends. We told the kids, 'Sometimes mummy and daddy need a little break.' That's probably why I haven't done a straight divorce yet."
Both Lewis and Braxton try to keep their romantic lives out of the spotlight to protect their children. Braxton says Braxton Family Values gives viewers an unflinching and honest look at her relationship with Lewis. In the past, Braxton has been romantically linked to actor Shemar Moore, singer Frankie Beverly and football player Curtis Moore.