'Just making sure I'm ready': Toni Braxton feels 'anxiety' over potential lupus flare-ups ahead of Vegas residency

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: As Toni Braxton takes the stage for her Love & Laughter residency in Las Vegas, she's battling performance jitters and navigating the unpredictable nature of living with lupus.

Braxton, the Grammy-winning R&B sensation diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2008, is facing the spotlight once again after undergoing emergency heart surgery last year. Despite receiving the green light from her doctor, the 56-year-old admits to feeling a sense of anxiety about her health while performing.

Toni Braxton opens up about Lupus concerns amid Vegas residency

"I've been feeling OK, that's been the anxiety, just making sure I'm ready," Braxton shared exclusively with PEOPLE.

"My doctor said I'm ready to go. I got checked off, everything's good, but there is a little anxiety performing and having that health scare. But the man upstairs said it's going to be OK, so I know I'm going to be alright."

Adding to her emotional journey is the revelation that her fellow entertainer Cedric the Entertainer's late mother, Rosetta, also battled lupus. Cedric, 60, offered Braxton unwavering support upon learning of her condition, assuring her that he understands the challenges she faces.

"It was something I was very aware of. I just reassured Toni like, 'Look, I got your back. We're going to have a good time, don't you worry about it,'" Cedric shared.

Braxton, moved by Cedric's empathy, expressed her surprise upon discovering the connection: "I had no idea his mom had lupus. I was like, 'Oh my God,' and he's so empathetic and understanding when I'm tired."

Living with lupus has taught Braxton to prioritize her health and recognize when to take necessary precautions. However, she's also honest about indulging in her favorite comfort foods, acknowledging the balance between discipline and enjoyment.

"You know what? I don't always eat good 'cause I'm a burger girl, so I'm not going to sit here and lie and say, 'Oh, I eat real good.' I try to eat as healthy as I can, especially when I'm working, I try to be disciplined, but I have to have those burgers and things like that," Braxton confessed.

"I just try to pace it. Pacing is very important, and if I feel like I'm overdoing it, I know to take a break. Sometimes it's hard to do that. You don't recognize when you're being stressed a little bit or overdoing it, so I just know to pace it and then everything's fine," adds the 'He Wasn't Man Enough' musician.

Celebrities who have shared their experiences with Lupus

Living with lupus can be challenging, but these celebrities have bravely shared their experiences with the autoimmune disease, shedding light on its impact and raising awareness.

Selena Gomez

Since being diagnosed with lupus in 2015, Selena Gomez has been open about her journey with the condition. She underwent chemotherapy and received a kidney transplant from her friend Francia Raísa to address the disease.

Despite facing hurtful comments from body shamers, Gomez has remained resilient, emphasizing the importance of self-care and medication in managing lupus symptoms.

Kristen Johnston

Actress Kristen Johnston revealed her lupus diagnosis in December 2013. She experienced full-body muscle weakness and required a neck brace to support her head.

Johnston's treatment included chemotherapy and steroids, leading to an improvement in her health. She emphasizes gratitude for each day and doesn't take her health for granted.

Nick Cannon

Nick Cannon's battle with lupus nearly cost him his life at the age of 31. After experiencing a mysterious illness, he documented his health journey, eventually receiving a lupus diagnosis in 2012.

Cannon underwent blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and hospitalizations, requiring significant lifestyle changes to manage the disease.

Lady Gaga

While Lady Gaga hasn't exhibited obvious lupus symptoms, she tested borderline positive for the disease in 2010. Despite not having lupus, Gaga remains vigilant about her health and advocates for lupus awareness.

She released an album inspired by her late aunt Joanne, who succumbed to lupus in 1974, highlighting the disease's familial impact.