
Toni Braxton On Being Unapologetically Sexy In Her 50s: 'I'm Feeling Myself'

Legendary singer and actress Toni Braxton defies the age-related biases many women encounter after turning 50.
In the past, middle-aged women were often stereotyped as non-sexual beings, a perception rooted in the hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. Some of the effects women experience during this period of their lives include irregular menstrual cycles, mood changes, weight gain, reduced libido, and more.
Despite these challenges, the "Breathe Again" vocalist has made it her mission not to let aging hinder her from embracing her sensuality or captivating fans' attention with her mesmerizing looks on social media.
Most of Braxton's viral posts featured the 56-year-old showcasing her tight physique in swimsuits and revealing ensembles. Recently, Braxton made headlines after sharing a topless photo on Instagram. In the upload, the mother of two used her favorite pastime as an excuse behind the risque snapshot.
"I'm about to take a dip in the pool real quick," she wrote while asking her fans what they had planned for the weekend.
Braxton's initial explanation surrounding the viral upload didn't last for long because she was forced to address the photo during an interview with Entertainment Tonight as she and her adult sons Diezel and Denim Lewis attended the Bad Boys: Ride or Die premiere in Los Angeles.
Braxton On Feeling Sexy And Why She Isn’t Afraid to Age
During the discussion, the "He Wasn't Man Enough for Me" songstress shared that she posted the pic because she was fascinated with her appearance and wanted the world to see it.
"I was feeling myself, " she said. “I'm feeling myself, so I thought I'd show it."
Later in the conversation, Braxton added that she hopes her comfort in her own skin and lack of fear in showcasing it in her 50s will inspire others to embrace their aging journey.
"I wanted people to know that 50s is still sexy, and it's OK, and don't be afraid to age,” she added. “I felt a little some kind of way when I turned 50, but I'm OK. I'm alright about it."
Since then, Braxton has remained authentic to herself and continues to break the internet, most recently with a behind-the-scenes video revealing her red-carpet attire from the movie premiere. In the clip, a shirtless Braxton exudes confidence in a light-colored suit and strikes poses to Victoria Monét's hit "On My Mama." In addition to the upload, the "So Yesterday" singer penned the caption, "I look good, and I feel good!"
With this bold move, Braxton is reshaping the conversation about aging and appearance, which could inspire others to be themselves unapologetically.
Here Are Some Of Toni Braxton's Looks Throughout The Years
Toni Braxton At The 9th Annual Soul Train Awards
Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images
Toni Braxton At 1997 APLA Tom Ford
Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc
Toni Braxton At The 43rd Grammy Awards
Photo by SGranitz/WireImage
Toni Braxton At The 2016 BET Awards
Photo by Allen Berezovsky/WireImage
Toni Braxton At The 57th Grammy Awards
Photo by Dan MacMedan/WireImage
Toni Braxton At The "Bad Boys: Ride Or Die" Premiere
Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures
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Feature image by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures
Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Roscoe Dash joined xoMan host Kiara Walker to share the journey of his personal and spiritual evolution—from the party anthems that made him famous to a deeper life rooted in faith, family, and purpose. This episode offers an honest look at how the artist has grown beyond early fame, addressing fatherhood, masculinity, creativity, and healing.
Dash opened up about the internal transformation that has guided him away from chasing the spotlight and toward seeking peace. “Faith and fear can’t occupy the same space,” he said, underscoring his shift toward a more spiritually grounded life. Throughout the interview, he emphasized the importance of self-reflection:
“The most important conversations to me, honestly, outside of the ones you have with God, is the ones you have with yourself in the mirror.”
Dash is focused on the man he’s become. “I’m not the accolades I’ve achieved—I’m the person who achieved them,” he added, pointing to a broader understanding of identity and worth. A large part of that growth has come through fatherhood, especially raising daughters, which he said has deepened his understanding of love. “Love is unconditional and love loves to love no matter what,” he shared.
He also spoke candidly about the pressures of fame and its impact on creativity. “Chasing fame can kill your creativity as a musician,” he warns. Instead, his advice to other artists is simple but clear: “Keep your focus on your art form, whatever that may be, and stay passionate.”
The conversation also touches on gender dynamics and emotional safety in relationships. “Safe men make soft women. If she feels safe, she’ll melt like butter,” he said, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. Roscoe also offers wisdom on discernment and spiritual testing: “Sometimes the devil will give you what looks better than your blessing.”
Ultimately, Dash has learned to embrace peace over chaos. “All I can do is control what I can control. And that's how I respond to things and what I'm giving out,” he said. It’s a thoughtful, soulful side of Roscoe Dash that many may not expect—but one that leaves a lasting impression.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube