Beloved Hong Kong Star Coco Lee Dies at 48 After Battle with Depression
Famous Hong Kong singer Coco Lee has passed away at the age of 48.
According to Chinese local media on the 5th, Coco Lee's sister Nancy announced the news of Coco Lee's death through Weibo. Coco Lee was known to have been battling depression and is reported to have taken her own life.
In a post titled 'A letter to Coco's fans and friends,' Nancy mentioned Coco Lee's health condition during her lifetime. "Coco unfortunately suffered from depression years ago, and it rapidly worsened recently," said Nancy, "She made a drastic choice at home on the 2nd, received treatment in the hospital afterwards, but never regained consciousness and left us on the 5th."
She also paid tribute to Coco Lee by saying, "This year marks the 30th anniversary of Coco's debut. For 29 years, she gave us endless joy and surprise with her passionate singing and dancing. She also worked hard to pave a new horizon in the international music world for Chinese singers."
Born in Hong Kong in 1975, Coco Lee emigrated to California, USA, when she was young. Having spent her school years in the US, she began her career in the entertainment industry in earnest when she won a music contest held in Hong Kong while attending the University of California, Irvine campus in 1994. Coco Lee then made her mark as the top female singer in the Chinese-speaking world in the 1990s and proved her global popularity by singing the theme song 'Lover's Moon' for the movie 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.' Particularly, Coco Lee was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2001, generating much buzz. Moreover, she garnered significant attention by participating in Disney's animation 'Mulan' theme song 'Reflection.'
In October 2011, Coco Lee married Bruce Rockowitz, a Canadian billionaire 16 years her senior, after an eight-year relationship, but they recently were known to have divorced. The reason for the divorce was said to be her husband Rockowitz's infidelity.
As soon as the news of Coco Lee's death was delivered, Chinese singers are sending messages of mourning towards the deceased. A staff member who used to do Coco Lee's makeup said, "I really can't believe it. Coco Lee, who was always dedicated and gave her best, we all love you." Taiwanese female singer Jolin Tsai mourned the deceased, saying, "I will remember your bright smile forever."