Acclaimed pop artist and Disney star, Coco Lee, known for her role in Disney's "Mulan" and her contributions to the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Runaway Bride" soundtracks, has tragically passed away at 48.
The celebrated performer, born Ferren Lee in Hong Kong in 1975, took her own life following a struggle with depression, a battle confirmed by her sisters Carol and Nancy on social media. Her passing came after an unsuccessful suicide attempt that led to a coma from which she could not recover.
Lee, a global musical powerhouse who broke ground for Chinese singers on the international stage, released albums in three languages throughout her career. Born in Hong Kong, she moved to the US in her early years, marking the beginning of her multi-cultural musical journey. Her success extended to the US market where her English hit, "Do You Want My Love", made it to #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Breakouts chart in December 1999.
Often referred to as a musical bridge between the East and West, she crafted a successful career in the Chinese music scene following her high school years in San Francisco. She achieved stardom in the 1990s, releasing multiple albums in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English.
Carol and Nancy expressed their pride in their sister's accomplishments, "In the past 29 years, she's won countless international acclaims with top-selling songs and has left audiences with an astounding impression of her excellent live performances. We are proud of her!"
Lee's contributions to the world of music were not limited to the recording studio. She voiced the lead character in the Mandarin version of the Disney classic "Mulan", and her track "Before I Fall in Love" featured on the "Runaway Bride" soundtrack, cementing her legacy in pop culture.
Despite her professional success, Lee's personal life bore the burden of her depression, an issue she bravely faced. Her battle was publicly known; on New Year's Eve, she wrote on Instagram about her struggle and her "female warrior" attitude to face it head-on.
Carol and Nancy asked fans to remember Coco's love, sincerity, and kindness, "Although CoCo stays in the world for not long a time, her rays of light will last forever!"
Lee's sudden demise has left the music world in shock, shedding light on the often overlooked mental health struggles faced by celebrities. As fans and the industry mourn this irreplaceable loss, her legacy will continue to resonate in the world of music, reminding everyone that even the brightest stars fight their own battles.
