Legendary singer Toni Braxton is sharing heartfelt details about her marriage to rapper and music mogul Birdman, celebrating not only their love but the decades-long friendship that brought them together.

During an appearance on TODAY with Jenna & Friends on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Grammy-winning artist opened up about recently marking her one-year wedding anniversary with Birdman. The couple, who tied the knot secretly in August 2024, turned heads not just for their romance but for how their relationship blossomed from a deep, long-standing friendship.

“We’ve been friends for over 25 years,” shared Braxton, 58. “He used to go to all of my shows. He was there for my baby shower—that kind of thing. He never crossed the line.” Braxton noted that the comfort and ease of their friendship lay the groundwork for love. “He was my dearest, dearest friend.”

Recalling a special moment from early in their friendship, Braxton laughed: “He came to see me when I did Beauty and the Beast and got there just before intermission. I said, ‘Why are you here so late?’ And he said, ‘Well, I thought it was an opening act.’ I had to explain, ‘It’s Broadway. There is no opening act, dear.’”

From that genuine connection, romance slowly grew. “A love connection started happening a couple of years ago,” Braxton said, adding that she and Birdman, 56, are “like peas and carrots.”

A Relationship Built on Friendship, Trust, and Support

Braxton and Birdman’s love story began long before their relationship turned romantic. According to the singer, the pair first met in the late ‘90s when Braxton was performing globally and Birdman was rising to fame as the co-founder of Cash Money Records. Their paths crossed frequently in the music world, and Birdman became a pillar of support for Braxton during some of her most challenging periods, including her lupus diagnosis.

The couple began dating in 2016, solidifying their bond as they weathered the ups and downs of life and love together.

“Birdman was always there through everything,” Braxton told PEOPLE in 2018. “I never thought we would be dating or getting married. He was my bestie for like 15 or 16 years, and life surprises you sometimes.”

That same year, Braxton confirmed their engagement in a trailer for the new season of Braxton Family Values. But like any real-life relationship, their story hasn’t been without complications.

The Rollercoaster of Love: Breakups, Marriage, and a Quiet Reunion

Their engagement was called off in early 2019, with both stars deleting photos of each other from Instagram. However, reconciliation rumors swirled after they reunited onstage during Braxton’s performance in Atlanta just weeks later.

By December 2023, the two had again parted ways. Braxton shut down marriage rumors and stated on Instagram: “My dear friend @birdman and I are not married… never been married. We are both single.”

But love brought them back together, and in August 2024, they said “I do” in a secret ceremony. The moment went public in 2025 when Braxton celebrated their one-year anniversary with a post on Instagram, sharing a throwback photo of the couple on their wedding day with the caption: “Happy Anniversary.”

Despite filing for divorce just two weeks after the wedding, Braxton later dismissed the petition. The pair signed off on the dismissal together, signaling a fresh start.

What’s Next for Toni Braxton and Birdman?

Today, the couple appears happier and more committed than ever. Braxton’s candid conversation with Jenna Bush Hager shed light on the trust and devotion that define their relationship.

“They’re like peas and carrots,” Jenna noted during the interview — a sentiment Braxton wholeheartedly agreed with.

As Braxton continues to tour, act, and release new music, fans are celebrating this exciting new chapter in her life. And while the future remains unwritten, one thing is clear: Toni Braxton and Birdman’s love story is one built on friendship, loyalty, and lasting affection.