TLC’s T-Boz: 5 Shocking New Details About Her Retirement, Broadway Musical, And Health Battle In 2025
The iconic 'T' in TLC, Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, is making headlines with a series of major career and personal announcements in late 2024 and heading into 2025. After decades as a foundational voice in the legendary girl group, T-Boz is gearing up for a significant transition, including a potential retirement from touring and a surprising shift in her musical direction. Her journey continues to inspire, balancing a demanding career with a lifelong battle against a serious health condition, all while keeping the spirit of TLC alive for a new generation. Her recent updates on the highly anticipated TLC Broadway musical and her personal health have fans eager to know what's next for the R&B superstar.
As of late 2025, T-Boz remains an active force in the music industry with TLC (alongside Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas), but her focus is clearly shifting toward her long-term well-being and new creative ventures. From the stage to the theater and even the country music scene, T-Boz is proving that her career is far from over, even as she prepares to step back from the rigors of the road. This deep dive reveals the most current, essential information about the multifaceted artist's life and projects.
Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins: Complete Biography and Profile
Tionne Tenese Watkins, universally known by her stage name T-Boz, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, author, and executive producer who rose to global fame as a member of the groundbreaking R&B/Hip-Hop group TLC. Her distinctive contralto voice and signature style were instrumental in defining the sound and image of the 1990s.
- Full Name: Tionne Tenese Watkins
- Stage Name: T-Boz
- Born: April 26, 1970
- Age: 55 (as of December 2025)
- Birthplace: Des Moines, Iowa, USA
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Author, Executive Producer, Healthcare Advocate
- Group: TLC (with Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas)
- Genre: R&B, Hip-Hop, Pop, Country Pop (New Venture)
- Key Albums with TLC: Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip (1992), CrazySexyCool (1994), FanMail (1999), 3D (2002)
- Notable Work: Starred in the film Belly (1998); Author of the memoir A Sick Life (2017); Executive Producer of the VH1 biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story (2013).
- Health Battle: Diagnosed with sickle cell anemia (sickle cell disease) at a young age.
T-Boz's career with TLC resulted in four Grammy Awards, multiple platinum albums, and hits like "Waterfalls," "No Scrubs," and "Creep," cementing their status as one of the best-selling American girl groups of all time. Her personal life, marked by her public struggle with sickle cell disease, has made her a powerful voice for chronic illness awareness.
The Shocking Retirement Plan and TLC’s 2025 Tour Status
In a candid interview, T-Boz revealed her intentions to step away from the demanding schedule of touring, citing her long-term health condition as the primary factor. She indicated that the upcoming year, likely 2025, might be her final major tour run with TLC. This announcement has made the group's current and future live shows must-see events for fans eager to experience the legendary duo of T-Boz and Chilli one last time on the road.
Is T-Boz Really Retiring from Music?
While T-Boz is planning to retire from the physical strain of touring, she is *not* retiring from music entirely. The decision is a necessary measure to protect her health, as the constant travel and performance schedule can be particularly taxing for someone managing sickle cell disease. She explicitly stated that she is "not going to kill myself" for the sake of constant touring.
Despite this major shift, TLC remains active on the live circuit. Their 2025 schedule includes appearances at various festivals and venues, with dates already being announced for late 2025 and even into 2026. This includes shows at locations like the Pechanga Resort & Casino in November 2025 and The 90s Cruise in January 2026. Fans should view the 2025 tour as a critical opportunity to see the group perform their classic hits like "Unpretty" and "Red Light Special."
New Creative Ventures: Country Pop, Broadway, and a New Home
T-Boz is channeling her creative energy into several exciting new projects that showcase her versatility beyond the R&B genre she helped define. These ventures ensure her legacy continues to grow even as her touring life winds down.
The Surprising Move to Country Pop
In a major curveball for the music world, T-Boz recently moved to Tennessee and announced plans to explore a new musical direction: Country Pop. This genre shift is a bold move for the R&B icon, demonstrating her willingness to experiment and challenge expectations. The new environment in Tennessee appears to be fueling her creative re-invention, suggesting that fans may soon hear her distinctive voice over a very different kind of beat.
The TLC Musical is Heading to Broadway
One of the most anticipated projects is the TLC musical, *CrazySexyCool*, which is officially in the works. Both T-Boz and Chilli have confirmed the theatrical project, which is expected to debut in 2026. The musical will chronicle the group's incredible journey, from their explosive rise to fame to the tragic loss of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and their continued success as a duo. Crucially, T-Boz and Chilli are planning to create new music specifically for the Broadway show, ensuring the project is both a retrospective and a fresh artistic statement.
T-Boz’s Health Update: Sickle Cell Advocacy and Addressing Rumors
T-Boz has been a courageous and vocal advocate for sickle cell disease awareness since her diagnosis at a young age. Her openness about the condition, which causes chronic pain and can be life-threatening, has educated millions and inspired others living with chronic illnesses.
Clarifying Recent Health Scares
In recent months, T-Boz has had to address public speculation regarding her health and weight loss. She directly called out rumors, clarifying that her weight changes were not due to popular dieting medications like Ozempic. She also provided an important update regarding a separate, non-sickle cell-related ailment she experienced, where scar tissue hit a nerve. She emphasized that this issue was distinct from her ongoing battle with sickle cell anemia, highlighting the need for accurate reporting on her health struggles.
T-Boz’s commitment to transparency about her health makes her a powerful entity in the healthcare advocacy space. She continues to use her platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those with chronic conditions, transforming her personal struggles into a mission to help others feel less alone. Her memoir, *A Sick Life*, remains a key resource for understanding her journey and the realities of living with sickle cell.
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