Renowned pop singer Coco Lee, who achieved great stardom in Asia during the 1990s and 2000s, has sadly passed away at the age of 48. Born in Hong Kong and later relocating to the United States during her childhood, Lee made a name for herself by releasing albums in both Mandarin and English languages. Lee’s musical talents extended beyond her solo work, as she also lent her voice to the lead character in the Mandarin version of Disney’s beloved film Mulan. Moreover, she captivated audiences with her performance of a song from the soundtrack of the critically acclaimed movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon at the 2001 Oscars.
In a heartbreaking Facebook post, Lee’s older sisters, Carol and Nancy, revealed that she had been in a coma since a suicide attempt over the weekend. They disclosed that Lee had been battling depression for several years, shedding light on the emotional pain she had endured. Tragically, despite being rushed to the hospital after the suicide attempt, Lee passed away on Wednesday. Lee burst onto the Mandopop scene in 1994 with the release of two Mandarin albums. Within a year, she unveiled an English-language album and a third Mandarin album, solidifying her position as a versatile artist. Her contributions to the music industry were not only confined to Asia but also garnered international recognition, paving the way for Chinese singers on a global scale.
Known for her iconic renditions, Lee performed the Mandarin version of the Mulan theme song, “Reflection,” and her song “Before I Fall in Love” appeared on the soundtrack of the 1999 Hollywood film Runaway Bride, featuring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. She graced the stage of the Michael Jackson & Friends benefit concert in South Korea in 1999 and shared her expertise as a judge on popular TV talent shows like Chinese Idol. Throughout her career, Lee faced personal challenges and setbacks.
In an Instagram post on New Year’s Eve, she candidly shared her struggles and described the previous year as incredibly difficult. Despite the hardships, she released her latest single, “Tragic,” on Valentine’s Day this year, demonstrating her resilience and passion for music. Lee’s passing leaves a void in the music industry, but her sisters expressed a desire for her spirit to live on through acts of kindness and love. They encouraged everyone to remember her trademark bright smile and to share that joy with others. Coco Lee will forever be remembered as a shining star whose talent and dedication brought immense joy to her fans for nearly three decades.