Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves took to Instagram on Friday to pay tribute to former cast member Mickey Lee in the wake of her death.
Mickey Lee died on Thursday at age 35 following multiple cardiac arrests.
Moonves, 55, shared a single photo of them together and revealed previously unknown information about Lee’s health.
‘Two months ago I interviewed Mickey Lee on God 101. That’s when she revealed to me that she was born with a hole in her heart, and as an adult she survived an ATV accident that should have killed her, but God kept her alive,’ she detailed in her social media caption.
She added, ‘Last night God brought her home. Rest In Peace dear Mickey. I will see you again on the other side in eternity.’
And finally, the reality TV host said, ‘I pray the good Lord comforts and heals your family and loved ones as we grieve your passing. Amen.’
Lee’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news on Instagram one day after her sudden death.
‘With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening,’ a statement read.
It continued: ‘Mickey captured the hearts of audiences nationwide through her appearance on ‘Big Brother,’ where her authenticity, strength and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike.
‘She will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed on and offscreen.’
Big Brother icon Rachel Reilly Villegas paid tribute to her former castmate, telling Daily Mail: ‘I hate this so much. I am in shock.
‘I don’t even feel like I should have a comment because it isn’t about me. My heart goes out to her family and lifelong friends. My heart is broken by this news.’
Villegas added, ‘Big Brother doesn’t just give you castmates — it gives you family. I’m forever grateful I got to share that house and that experience with Mickey. We walked into the Big Brother house as strangers and walked out bonded for life.
‘I wish I could still thank her for the memories, the laughter, and the moments only we will ever understand. I’ll carry a bit of Mickey with me always. Rest in peace, my friend.’
Lee came in tenth place on Big Brother’s 27th season.
She gave an interview to Daily Mail during her final public appearance at Orlando’s Over the Edge Celebrity Weekend on December 6.
‘Big Brother was such an amazing experience. I loved every single second I was there, and I’ve made lifelong friends. It was a dream come true, and now I’m happy to be here, using my platform to do something good,’ the star said.
The event helped raise thousands for The 404 Fund, supporting underprivileged children in Atlanta.
Omar Elkalyoubie, who organized the weekend, paid tribute to Lee, telling Daily Mail: ‘Mickey was one of the first people I reached out to from Big Brother 27. She was so excited to be a part of it and raise money for her charity of choice.’
He added, ‘Communication was always positive and she was thrilled to be a part of the event. She hosted a BET red carpet so had to delay her arrival but once she arrived she hit the ground running, filming content, meeting fans and hanging with other reality stars participating in all of the events.
‘This is incredibly sad and tragic. She had such a light and personality. Just an absolute pleasure of human being.’