Toya Wright, also known as Toya Johnson-Rushing, is a woman who has worn many hats in her career. From reality star to author and entrepreneur, Toya Wright’s life has been a compelling mix of triumphs and trials that have captivated audiences for years. In this blog, we’ll explore her journey to success, her enduring strength, and the factors that have shaped her into the resilient figure she is today.
Table of Contents:
- From New Orleans Streets to Reality TV: Toya Wright’s Rise
- Beyond the Screen: Author, Entrepreneur, and Community Champion
- Facing Tragedy, Finding Love: Toya Wright’s Strength in Adversity
- To Toya Wright’s Journey
- FAQs About Toya Wright
- Conclusion
From New Orleans Streets to Reality TV: Toya Wright’s Rise
Born and raised in New Orleans, Toya Wright first entered the public eye through her marriage to rapper Lil Wayne when they were both young. Her early life in the city heavily influenced her strength and independent spirit, traits she carried throughout her evolving career.
Reality TV Beginnings
Toya Johnson’s debut into the world of reality television was alongside her best friend Tiny Harris in the aptly named show, “Tiny and Toya,” which premiered in 2009. It was a big hit, drawing in three million viewers, as reported by CelebrityNetWorth. This not only made it the highest-rated series debut in BET history but also launched Toya into a whole new sphere of influence and recognition.
Following “Tiny and Toya,” Toya starred in her own series, “Toya: A Family Affair,” offering an even more personal glimpse into her world. This series provided a glimpse into the complex dynamics of her family.
A Screen Star’s Evolution
Since those early reality TV days, Toya Wright has graced our screens in several other series including “Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta”, “Marriage Boot Camp: Bridezillas”, “T.I. & Tiny: Friends and Family Hustle”, and most recently “Toya & Reginae”. Toya hasn’t just starred in these shows, but also delved into producing, demonstrating her keen business acumen. She even made an appearance as an actress in the heartwarming “Hip Hop Family Christmas Wedding.”
Beyond the Screen: Author, Entrepreneur, and Community Champion
But Toya Johnson’s journey didn’t stop with reality television. It was just one avenue she chose to explore, never allowing it to limit her ambitions or define her completely.
Wordsmith: Toya’s Literary Pursuits
Her books provide further insight into Toya’s life journey and motivations. With titles like “Priceless Inspirations,” “How to Lose a Husband” (published under the name Toya Wright), and “In My Own WORDS…MY Real Reality,” she opens up to readers, sharing lessons learned from both success and hardship. What I found interesting was the book “You Just Don’t Get It”, which Toya Johnson co-wrote with her daughter Reginae Carter. It’s such a great example of family collaboration, showcasing their unique mother-daughter bond.
Beyond Clothing: Toya Johnson’s Diverse Business Ventures
Ever the savvy businesswoman, Toya Johnson also established herself as a brand owner. In 2010, she partnered with singer Kandi Burruss and rapper Rasheeda to open her clothing store “G.A.R.B.” in New Orleans. Its success allowed her to expand her entrepreneurial footprint, eventually leading to the opening of her second location, a shoe store named “GARB Shoetique,” in 2012 in Smyrna, Georgia. You can tell Toya knows how to diversify her interests.
She didn’t just stop at fashion though. With Robert “Red” Rushing, her fiancé at the time, they co-founded “Weight No More”, promoting a healthier lifestyle within the community.
More Than a Reality Star
Toya has even shared insights on how they tackle “Weight No More” according to a 2022 article from Revolt. “We’re about to be a huge brand,” Red enthused, revealing how their vision goes far beyond just fitness. “It’s going on a level I couldn’t even have thought of,” he said. Together, they have organized several fitness events across different states, selling athletic apparel and other fitness items. Toya’s efforts with Weight No More are commendable, not just for encouraging health but also for strengthening community bonds through shared activities.
Facing Tragedy, Finding Love: Toya Wright’s Strength in Adversity
Life hasn’t been without challenges for Toya Wright. One can’t help but feel for Toya, especially after she went through the unimaginable pain of losing her two younger brothers. Tragically, both were shot to death in New Orleans back in July 2016, according to a Yahoo. News article that reported on the tragic incident.
Navigating Heartbreak
To make matters even harder for Toya Wright, this all happened shortly after she had separated from her second husband. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE in 2016, Toya described how former husband, Lil Wayne, was a rock during that time. He was there to support his daughter, Reginae, and their whole family through the unthinkable. Despite their separation in 2006, it’s clear that Toya and Lil Wayne have maintained a healthy and respectful relationship that puts family first, which I find admirable.
The Unwavering Support of ‘Red’
As heartbreaking as it was to lose her brothers, the tragedy brought into focus a love that had quietly blossomed amid adversity. Red recounted on a 2022 episode of “Big Facts” how supporting Toya during that period helped him realize that “that’s the one.” Her fiance, Robert “Red” Rushing, stepped in as a pillar of support during her grief. What struck Toya was not just his support for her but also for her extended family, especially for Joshua’s daughter, Jashae, whom Toya took in after her brother’s death.
Finding Light in Darkness
“The way he stepped up for my niece,” she recalled in that same “Big Facts” interview . Toya was truly moved by Red’s willingness to take on that responsibility. “He do everything for my niece like it’s his — and Reginae,” she explained. “It takes a village,” she acknowledged, emphasizing the value of their close-knit dynamic.
Red, ever attentive and caring, sought to help her heal and rebuild. His consistent effort and thoughtfulness cemented a lasting bond between them. Their engagement was announced on Instagram in 2019, followed by their beautiful wedding celebration on October 15, 2022. And of course, Toya and Red didn’t just stop there.
To Toya Wright’s Journey
Toya Wright’s path hasn’t always been easy. She has dealt with heartache and immense loss, and navigated both marriage and divorce with grace. It seems her journey serves as a reminder to us all about embracing life’s curveballs, building a family network you can lean on, and continuously reaching for new goals. Through it all, Toya has stayed true to her entrepreneurial spirit, working hard to carve out a path as an author and reality star. With each chapter, her story continues to resonate, encouraging fans everywhere to chase their dreams while keeping family at the core of their lives.
FAQs About Toya Wright
How Many Husbands Has Toya Had?
Toya Johnson has been married three times. Her first husband was rapper Lil Wayne, her second was music executive Memphitz, and her third, and current, husband is entrepreneur Robert “Red” Rushing.
Did Toya Wright Have A Baby?
Yes, Toya Johnson has two daughters. Her oldest daughter, Reginae Carter, is with her first husband, Lil Wayne. Her second daughter, Reign Ryan Rushing, is with her current husband, Robert Rushing.
What Happened To Toya Wright And Memphitz?
Toya Wright’s marriage to Memphitz, real name Mickey Wright, lasted five years, from 2011 to 2016. The reason for their separation isn’t definitively known, as Toya generally avoids discussing this publicly.
What Happened To Toya Wright’s Brother?
Toya Wright’s brothers, Ryan “Rudy” and Joshua “Fish” Johnson, were shot and killed on July 31, 2016, in New Orleans.
Conclusion
Toya Wright’s life is a powerful example of how success isn’t always linear and how strength can emerge from the toughest challenges. It’s also clear that toya wright has built a solid career for herself. It’s inspiring to see her navigate the limelight of reality television and then turn those experiences into ventures as an author, entrepreneur, and advocate for health and wellness. Ultimately, it is Toya Wright’s resilience and commitment to family that make her story so impactful for fans everywhere.
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Estimated Income Breakdown
How the fortune is built. Figures are independent editorial estimates aggregated from the public record.
| Income source | Estimated lifetime value |
|---|---|
| TV residuals + appearances | $1.5M |
| Business ventures + equity | $800K |
| Real estate + rental | $500K |
| Other (speaking, misc.) | $200K |
| Estimated total | $3.0M |
As of 2026-05-17. Editorial estimate. Aggregates publicly disclosed contracts, salary leaks, residuals (where reported), endorsement disclosures, real-estate filings and SEC equity stakes. Lifestyle inflation and undisclosed private investments not reflected. Methodology · Corrections.
Known Career Earnings
Documented project-by-project earnings for Toya Johnson, sorted by year. Figures are editorial estimates compiled from reported salaries, backend deals and public disclosures. Where only a salary is known, the entry reflects the upfront fee; backend, residuals and bonus payments are separated where reported.
| Year | Project | Type | Note | Reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Tiny & Toya (reality debut) | contract | Co-starred in the BET reality hit Tiny & Toya (2009) — her launch as a reality-TV personality (then known as Lil Wayne's ex-wife/mother of his child) | $300K |
| 2011 | Memoir + brand building | business | Annualized income — her memoir Priceless Inspirations, boutique/retail ventures + reality-TV appearances | $400K |
| 2013 | Reality TV + boutiques | business | Annualized income — reality TV, her Garb (boutique) + beauty ventures + appearance/brand income | $500K |
| 2016 | Marriage Boot Camp + media | contract | Annualized income — reality TV (Marriage Boot Camp + other franchises), books + brand/social-media ventures | $600K |
| 2018 | T.I. & Tiny + brand ventures | business | Annualized income — reality TV, social-media endorsements, beauty/retail ventures + appearance fees | $700K |
| 2020 | Toya & Reginae + products | business | Annualized income — the WE tv reality series Toya & Reginae, beauty/hair products, books + social-media brand deals | $800K |
| 2022 | Social media + product lines | business | Annualized income — reality TV, product lines (beauty, lifestyle), social-media endorsements + appearances | $800K |
| 2023 | Reality TV + brand | business | Annualized income — reality TV, brand partnerships, product lines + social-media income | $800K |
| 2024 | Brand + media ventures | business | Annualized combined income — reality TV, product lines, endorsements + social-media/brand ventures | $800K |
| 2025 | Lifestyle brand + media | business | Annualized income — reality TV, beauty/lifestyle products, endorsements + media ventures | $800K |
| 2026 | Media + brand portfolio | business | Annualized combined income — reality TV, product lines, endorsements + social-media/brand ventures | $800K |
Reported figures only — projects without public salary disclosure are omitted. See our Methodology for sources and our Corrections Policy if you can document a different figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the most common questions about this profile. For our sourcing and update method, see our Methodology page.
What is Toya Wright's net worth in 2026?
Our editorial estimate places Toya Wright's (legal name Antonia Carter Wright) 2026 net worth around $3 million. The figure aggregates her Tiny & Toya BET reality earnings (2009-2010, with Tameka Tiny Cottle of Xscape), her Tiny Tonight VH1 reality work, her The Real Housewives of Atlanta non-cast guest appearances, her Toya: A Family Affair WeTV reality fees, her boutique-and-cosmetic-brand ventures including Garb Boutique and Sweet & Sassy clothing, her books (Priceless Inspirations 2011 memoir), plus her Atlanta-area real estate.
Was Toya Wright married to Lil Wayne?
Yes. Toya Wright (then Antonia Johnson) was married to Lil Wayne (Dwayne Carter Jr.) from February 2004 to 2006 — they had been a couple since their early teenage years in New Orleans. Together they have one daughter, Reginae Carter (born November 29, 1998), who Toya gave birth to at age 15 while in high school. Reginae has subsequently pursued her own entertainment career including reality-TV appearances and music. The Wright-Carter marriage was the subject of substantial reality-TV documentation in Tiny & Toya and Wright's subsequent shows.
Who is Toya Wright dating now?
As of 2026, Wright has been in a long-term relationship with Robert Memphitz Whitfield, a music-industry executive, since 2015. They became engaged in 2016 but did not formally marry. The relationship has been documented in various Wright reality-TV projects. Wright and Whitfield have two daughters together — Reign Whitfield (born February 2018) and another daughter. Wright is mother to three daughters total: Reginae Carter (with Lil Wayne), plus two daughters with Whitfield.
What was Tiny and Toya?
Tiny & Toya was the BET reality television series co-starring Toya Wright and Tameka Tiny Cottle (Xscape singer, T.I.'s now-wife) that ran from 2009 to 2010 across two seasons — documenting both women's lives, family dynamics and music-industry-adjacent business ventures. The show was substantially formative for BET's contemporary reality-programming slate, alongside Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is and other contemporaneous shows. Tiny & Toya led directly to multiple subsequent reality vehicles for both women individually.
How old is Toya Wright?
Toya Wright was born September 26, 1983 in New Orleans, Louisiana — making her 42 years old in 2026 (turning 43 on September 26, 2026). She grew up in New Orleans and has cited the Hurricane Katrina period (August 2005) as a foundational period in her life — she and family members were displaced from New Orleans, and the experience substantially shaped her perspective on resilience and family priority that has been a recurring theme of her published-memoir and reality-TV-narrative output.
Who is richer than Toya Johnson?
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