“Big Brother” alum Mickey Lee revealed he was born with a hole in his heart two months before his tragic death on Thursday, Julie Chen Moonves said.
“Two months ago, I interviewed Mickey Lee on God 101,” the “Big Brother” series host wrote on Friday, reacting to the news of Lee’s death via Instagram.
“That’s when she revealed to me that she was born with a hole in her heart. As an adult, she was supposed to die in an ATV accident, but God kept her alive.”
Chen Moonves, 55, continued, “God brought her home last night 🕊️ Dear Mickey, rest in peace. We’ll see you on the other side forever. May the Good Lord comfort and heal your family and loved ones as we mourn your loss. Amen 🙏🏼.”
Lee died Thursday night after suffering multiple cardiac arrests. She was 35 years old.
Her family confirmed her death in a statement Friday, remembering the reality TV star’s “authenticity” and “strength.”
“It is with deep sadness that Mickey Lee’s family announces her transition on Christmas evening,” Friday’s statement said.
“Mickey won the hearts of audiences across the country through her appearance on Big Brother, and 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 people and the genuine connections she made on and off screen,” the message continued.
In closing, the family expressed their “deep gratitude to everyone for their prayers, love and support,” mourning their “tremendous loss,” and asking for “privacy at this critical time of bereavement.”
Lee died after being hospitalized for a short time. A GoFundMe page said the late CBS personality “suffered a series of cardiac arrests” and was in “serious but stable condition.”
At the time, the page’s host Cori Smith said Lee’s “road ahead…is long and difficult” after a “sudden health crisis.”
Lee was a notable star on season 27 of Big Brother, which aired from July to September. She was voted out by her co-stars during the show’s eighth week.
