The celebrated singer, Coco Lee, known for her pop fame in Asia during the 90s and early 2000s, has tragically passed away at age 48.
Lee, a native of Hong Kong, relocated to the United States during her childhood and went on to produce albums in both Mandarin and English.
She lent her voice to the main character in the Mandarin adaptation of Disney’s blockbuster, Mulan, and performed a piece from the soundtrack of ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ at the 2001 Oscars.
Her sisters disclosed that she had been in a coma following a suicide attempt over the weekend.
Lee’s battle with depression for several years was acknowledged by her elder sisters, Carol and Nancy, in a post on Facebook.
She attempted to end her life at her residence on Sunday and was rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed on Wednesday, they penned.
Lee first made a name for herself in the Mandopop industry in 1994 with two Mandarin albums. The following year saw her releasing an English album alongside a third Mandarin one.
“Not only did she bring us joy with her songs and dances in the past 29 years, she also worked hard to break new ground for Chinese singers in the international music scene and has been doing her utmost to shine for the Chinese,” a note from Lee’s sisters reads.
Additionally, she performed the Mandarin rendition of the Mulan theme song, ‘Reflection’, while her track ‘Before I Fall in Love’ featured in the soundtrack of the 1999 Hollywood movie, ‘Runaway Bride’, featuring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
Among her numerous performances was a 1999 Michael Jackson & Friends benefit concert in South Korea, and she served as a judge on TV talent competitions, including Chinese Idol.
On the last New Year’s Eve, Lee disclosed in an Instagram post that she had “faced major life changing hurdles,” portraying 2022 as an “incredibly difficult year”.
‘Trademark bright smile’
Her most recent single, ‘Tragic’, was launched on February 14 of this year.
In March, she revealed on Facebook that she had undergone pelvic and thigh surgery as a result of re-injuring an old leg wound during a dance rehearsal late the previous year.
In 2011, Lee tied the knot with Bruce Rockowitz, the former CEO of Hong Kong-based supply chain behemoth Li & Fung. They parent two daughters from his former marriage.
Speculations of a breakup started circulating approximately three years ago, although Lee refrained from commenting on them.
On Wednesday, Lee’s sisters stated: “In addition to remembering Coco, I hope that you will share her trademark bright smile, honesty and kindness with everyone around you, and continue Coco’s wish that all those around her will feel her love and joy.”
