Julie Chen Mourns ‘Big Brother’ Star Who Died Unexpectedly On Christmas

“Big Brother” host Julie Chen is mourning the sudden lack of season 27 star Mickey Lee. In a heartfelt submit on Instagram, Chen, who has hosted the competitors collection since season 1 aired in 2000, recalled talking with Lee on an episode of her “God 101” podcast. Throughout the dialog, Chen shared that Lee revealed a saddening fact about her well being situation.

Captioning a photograph of herself alongside Lee, who died at age 35, Chen shared that Lee informed her she was “born with a gap in her coronary heart” throughout an earlier episode of her faith-based podcast. Chen additionally shared that Lee recalled a daunting expertise on the podcast that “ought to have killed her;” nevertheless, she miraculously survived.

“Final evening God brought her home,” Chen wrote. “Relaxation In Peace pricey Mickey. I’ll see you once more on the opposite aspect in eternity. I pray the great Lord comforts and heals your loved ones and family members as we grieve your passing. Amen.”

Lee’s household introduced on social media that the truth star, recognized for her daring character and stealthy gameplay, had died early on Christmas Day.

“Mickey captured the hearts of audiences nationwide via her look on Huge Brother, the place her authenticity, power and spirit left an enduring impression on followers and fellow forged members alike,” the submit’s caption read. “She can be remembered for the enjoyment she introduced into the lives of so many and for the real connections she shaped each on and off display screen.”

Elsewhere within the submit, Lee’s household thanked those that prolonged their well-wishes and condolences throughout “this extremely tough time.” They added that the kindness proven towards them hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“Because the household mourns this large loss, they respectfully request privateness throughout this crucial time of bereavement. Particulars relating to memorial providers and preparations can be shared at a later date. Mickey’s gentle, legacy, and affect won’t ever be forgotten,” they mentioned.

Days earlier than Christmas, a GoFundMe web page devoted to Lee had been created, revealing that the CBS alum was hospitalized within the ICU after coping with issues from the flu. The submit added that Lee had skilled a “collection of cardiac arrests,” leaving her battling the monetary pressure.

Lee’s sudden passing has despatched a wave of unhappiness over the “Huge Brother” neighborhood. Along with Chen’s submit, a number of “BB” alums have additionally taken to social media to pay their respects to their co-star and actuality TV peer.

Season 27 contestant Jimmy Heagerty uploaded a carousel of photographs and movies of himself and Lee smiling whereas wanting into the digital camera. He captioned it, “That is how I am going to keep in mind Mickey: somebody who was foolish, who smiled and laughed, however importantly, somebody who at all times cared.”

Heagerty lauded Lee for her means to gentle up any room she entered, including that “shedding” her hurts him greater than he may’ve imagined. “Mickey, my coronary heart is totally damaged. Throughout #bb27 you had been my first buddy, my first #1, and my OG journey or die,” he added. “What we constructed wasn’t only a sport relationship, it was actual, and it mattered.”