Coco Lee, Hong Kong-born singer-songwriter, dies at 48 after suicide attempt
Coco Lee, a renowned singer and actress hailing from Hong Kong, has passed away at the age of 48. Her sisters, Carol and Nancy Lee, shared the news on social media, revealing that Coco had succumbed to her injuries after a suicide attempt, which had left her in a coma.
She breathed her last on July 5, 2023, at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong, her place of residence.
The statement released by her sisters expressed the family's profound grief and acknowledged Coco's unwavering fight against depression.
Despite seeking professional help, the statement noted that the inner demons she battled ultimately overcame her.
Coco Lee enjoyed a successful career spanning approximately three decades. She left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, having lent her voice to the character of Mulan in the Mandarin version of Disney's animated film "Mulan." Additionally, she delivered a breathtaking performance of the Oscar-nominated song "A Love Before Time" from the critically acclaimed movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
Born in 1975 in Hong Kong, Coco Lee was the youngest of three siblings. Her father had passed away before her birth, and her mother relocated the family to San Francisco when she was just nine years old.
After completing high school, she embarked on a recording contract in Hong Kong with Capital Artists, causing her to leave her studies at the University of California, Irvine, to pursue her musical aspirations.
In 1996, Lee signed with Sony Music Entertainment, and her eponymous debut album became the best-selling album in Asia that year.
She quickly gained a dedicated fan base in both Asia and the United States, leading to collaborations and the release of English-language songs. Over the course of her career, she recorded 18 studio albums and appeared in several films, notably including Lee Xin's "Master of Everything" and Stanley Kwan's "No Tobacco."
In 2011, Coco Lee tied the knot with Bruce Rockowitz, a Canadian businessman and former CEO of the Hong Kong supply chain company Li & Fung. Bruce, along with Coco's two stepdaughters, survives her, in addition to her sisters.
Coco Lee's sisters emphasized her significant contributions to the music and film industries, highlighting her international acclaim and unforgettable live performances.
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They also recognized her efforts in paving the way for Chinese singers in the global music scene, expressing pride in her accomplishments. The family requested privacy during this time of mourning and expressed the belief that Coco's legacy will endure through her everlasting light.
Following the announcement of her passing, an outpouring of shock and sorrow flooded social media platforms. Coco Lee's final Instagram post, dated December 31, 2022, became a space for condolences from fans and fellow artists.
The news of her death sparked conversations about mental health and depression, with many highlighting the importance of supporting one another and advocating for kindness and sensitivity. Coco Lee's impact as an Asian American trailblazer and role model for young Chinese women was also widely praised, with individuals recalling her powerful, radiant presence on stage and in the world.