- - “Big Brother ”host Julie Chen Moonves reacts to Mickey Lee's death: 'I will see you again on the other side'

Mekishana PierreDecember 27, 2025 at 1:34 AM

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Ethan Miller/Getty; Sara Mally/CBS

Julie Chen Moonves; Mickey Lee

Julie Chen Moonves shared a heartfelt tribute to Big Brother alum Mickey Lee after her death at the age of 35 on Thursday.

The longtime reality TV host took to Instagram to remember Lee, sharing a photo of her with the former houseguest as they embraced and posed for a photo. "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 wrote of Lee's September appearance on her podcast, God 101.

"Last night God brought her home 🕊️ Rest In Peace dear Mickey. I will see you again on the other side in eternity," Chen Moonves added. "I pray the good Lord comforts and heals your family and loved ones as we grieve your passing. Amen 🙏🏼"

The show's official Instagram page posted Chen Moonves' tribute to its Instagram Stories, and wrote a note paying tribute to Lee as well.

"Sending our sincere condolences to Mickey's friends and family and to the houseguests and fans who loved her as much as we did," the note read.Big Brother executive producers executive producers Allison Grodner, Rich Meehan, and Chris Roach also remembered Lee in a statement shared with Entertainment Weekly: “The Big Brother family is heartbroken today. Mickey was a stand out on the show and in life. A force of nature. A bright light and someone we are lucky to have had in our lives. Our thoughts are with her family on this sad day.”

Lee's family announced her death in an Instagram post shared on Friday, revealing that the reality TV star died on Christmas Day.

"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," the post read. "She will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed both on and off screen."

"The family extends their deepest gratitude to everyone who has offered prayers, love, and support during this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness has been felt and is sincerely appreciated," the note continued.

Lee's family concluded the post with the message, "As the family mourns this tremendous loss, they respectfully request privacy during this critical time of bereavement. Details regarding memorial services and arrangements will be shared at a later date. Mickey's light, legacy, and impact will never be forgotten."

According to a GoFundMe page set up on Lee's behalf days before her death, she suffered "a series of cardiac arrests" before resting in the ICU in "critical but stable condition." Lee's family asked for donations as her health emergency left them "facing enormous emotional and financial strain from mounting hospital bills to ongoing care and recovery costs."

"Mickey has touched so many lives through her courage, bold personality, and unforgettable presence on Big Brother. Let's show her the same love and support now when she needs it most. Thank you for your generosity, prayers, and support," fundraiser organizer Kori Smith noted.

The GoFundMe has raised over $34,000 of its $40,000 goal as of publication.

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Originally hailing from Jacksonville, Fla., Lee resided in Atlanta and described herself as an event curator during her run on Big Brother earlier this year. She made it to day 59 before being evicted, finishing in 10th place.

Shortly after news of Lee's death was announced, her fellow season 27 players began posting tributes to their late housemate.

Ashley Hollis, who was crowned the winner of Big Brother 27, shared a screenshot of a text message she sent to Lee in early December, which read in part: "I wanted to reach out because I honestly don't like the way things have transpired between us and I did really care about you in the house. I don't want beef w u and I don't want the two black girls to be pit against each other I don't like that! So I wanted to be the bigger person and reach out to squash the [steak emoji]."

On the top-right part of the slide, Hollis wrote that she "felt called" to reach out to Lee "for some reason a few weeks ago," adding that she was "so glad I did."

Mickey Lee and Morgan Pope on 'Big Brother'

In the next slide, Hollis added a clip of her and Lee with fellow houseguest and franchise fan favorite Rachel Reilly while in the Big Brother house. "I love you guys so much," Lee tells Hollis and Reilly as she hugs them to her side. "I knew you were gonna say that," Hollis responds, laughing, before she and Reilly tells Lee they love her as well.

"Was hoping for different news regarding Mickey," fourth-place finisher Ava Pearl added via her Instagram Story. "A genuine tragedy for anyone to pass as young as she did, wishing her friends and family peace, respect, and privacy during this time. No matter what, we lost a member of the Big Brother family and she will be missed."

Cliffton "Will" Williams, a 50-year-old college sports podcaster who was evicted on day 66, paid tribute in a post on his page, writing, "Rest in peace [Lee] Words can't express the shock and sadness I feel. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾"

Mickey Lee, Cliffton "Will" Williams, and Morgan Pope on 'Big Brother'

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly just days before Hollis' win, Williams named Lee as the one contestant voted out pre-jury that he wished he could have saved.

"Mickey for sure. Mickey and I were close in the house, and she's a good friend. We vibed a lot in the house. She was an amazing cook, and I miss that," he said.

on Entertainment Weekly

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”