Relationships under a microscope usually crumble. It’s just the nature of the beast when you’re on a hit reality show like Braxton Family Values. But for Trina Braxton, the story of her ex-husband wasn’t just a plot point for a season finale—it was a decade-long saga of high highs, devastating lows, and a finality that nobody saw coming.
Honestly, when people talk about Trina Braxton ex husband, they’re almost always referring to Gabriel "Gabe" Solis. Sure, Trina is happily remarried now to Von Scales (we'll get to him), but the shadow of her relationship with Gabe looms large in pop culture history. It was messy. It was public. And in the end, it was heartbreaking.
The Rollercoaster Marriage of Trina and Gabe
Trina and Gabe tied the knot back in 2003. At the time, he was an Air Force veteran and a software developer—basically a "regular guy" compared to the high-glitz world of the Braxton sisters. But Gabe wasn't just a background character. He became a fixture on their WE tv reality show, often finding himself at the center of sisterly interventions and heated dinner table debates.
The marriage lasted about twelve years, but it wasn't exactly smooth sailing. If you watched the show, you saw the "on-again, off-again" cycle in real-time. They officially separated in 2013, and the divorce was finalized in 2015.
Why did they split?
It's complicated. Both parties actually admitted to infidelity during the marriage. Trina was open about her own mistakes, but she also famously accused Gabe of being a serial cheater. It wasn't just physical cheating; there were allegations of "cyber-cheating" and emotional affairs that played out in front of millions.
They even took their issues to Iyanla: Fix My Life in 2018. It was a raw look at two people who clearly cared for each other but couldn't figure out how to be together. Iyanla Vanzant pushed them to look at the "friendship" underneath the wreckage of the marriage. Remarkably, they actually did become friends after the divorce. Gabe remained a father figure to Trina’s two sons, Eric and Caleb, whom he helped raise.
The Shocking Loss of Gabe Solis
The most tragic chapter of the Trina Braxton ex husband story happened on December 20, 2018.
Gabe Solis passed away at the age of 43.
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It was a total shock to the public. He had been privately battling pancreatic cancer, a detail that many fans—and even some acquaintances—weren't aware of until the news broke. He died in Texas, surrounded by his family.
For Trina, the loss was profound. Even though they were divorced, the bond was still there. She posted a touching tribute on Instagram shortly after, asking for privacy while the family grieved. It was a reminder that even when a marriage ends, the history doesn't just vanish.
Moving Forward: Who is Von Scales?
Life has a way of moving on, even when it feels impossible. Enter Von Scales.
Trina met Von, a businessman from St. Louis, and things moved relatively quickly. He was the calm to her storm. He stood by her during the aftermath of Gabe’s death, which couldn't have been easy. Imagine being the "new guy" while your partner is mourning a man she spent over a decade with. Trina has said in interviews that Von’s ability to hold her while she cried over her ex was one of the reasons she knew he was "the one."
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The 2019 Wedding
They got engaged in Napa Valley (on Tamar's birthday, which caused a whole thing on the show) and married in December 2019. The wedding was a massive St. Louis affair at Windows on Washington. All the sisters were there, and Judge Mablean Ephriam officiated.
Navigating the Legacy of a Public Breakup
Looking back at the Trina Braxton ex husband timeline, there are a few things most people get wrong. People often think the divorce was purely about the cameras, but the issues started long before the reality show fame.
Key Takeaways from Trina’s Journey:
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- Forgiveness is possible: Seeing Trina and Gabe reconcile as friends on Iyanla was a huge moment for viewers.
- Privacy matters: Gabe kept his health struggles private, proving that even reality stars can keep some things for themselves.
- New beginnings aren't betrayals: Choosing to marry Von Scales didn't mean Trina loved Gabe any less as the father of her children; it just meant she was ready for a healthy chapter.
If you’re following Trina today, she’s busy with her "Marriage & Money" podcast with Von and various business ventures like her Bar Chix brand. She seems to have found a level of peace that was missing during those turbulent years in the mid-2010s.
Actionable Insights for Moving On
If you find yourself navigating a difficult split or the loss of a former partner, take a page out of Trina's book:
- Prioritize the Kids: Gabe and Trina’s commitment to her sons despite the divorce is a gold standard for co-parenting.
- Seek Professional Help: Whether it’s a life coach like Iyanla or a traditional therapist, having a neutral third party can help untangle years of resentment.
- Be Honest with New Partners: Trina’s transparency with Von about her grief allowed them to build a foundation of trust rather than jealousy.
The story of Trina Braxton and Gabe Solis is a reminder that relationships are rarely black and white. They are messy, gray, and often beautiful even in their breakdown.