Hong Kong-Born Singer CoCo Lee Passes Away at 48 After Battle with Depression, Sisters Confirm

CoCo Lee, a renowned singer and songwriter originally from Hong Kong, has tragically died at the age of 48 following a suicide attempt on Sunday. The devastating news was announced by her older sisters, Carol and Nancy Lee, through a heartfelt Instagram post on Wednesday. In their statement shared on Facebook and Instagram, the sisters revealed that CoCo had been grappling with depression for several years.

“It is with deep sadness that we share this heartbreaking news: CoCo had been battling depression for a number of years, and her condition had worsened significantly in recent months,” the sisters expressed. “Despite seeking professional help and putting up a valiant fight against depression, she ultimately succumbed to the inner demons that plagued her.”

The sisters further disclosed that on July 2, CoCo attempted suicide at her home and was rushed to the hospital. Despite the relentless efforts of the medical team to rescue and treat her, she tragically passed away on July 5.

CoCo Lee achieved great success as a pop star in Asia, particularly during the 1990s and early 2000s. She signed with Sony Music Entertainment in 1996, and her debut album, titled “CoCo Lee,” became the best-selling album in Asia that year, according to Reuters. While she initially gained fame as a Mandopop singer, she later released albums in Cantonese and English. Her single “Do You Want My Love” even made it onto music charts in the United States, and in 1999, she released her first English album, “Just No Other Way.”

CoCo’s emotionally charged song “A Love Before Time” from the critically acclaimed film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” earned her a nomination for Best Original Song at the 2001 Academy Awards. She also had the honor of performing the song live during the ceremony that year.

Notably, she lent her voice to the Mandarin version of Disney’s “Mulan,” portraying the character of the fearless female warrior, Mulan. She also recorded the Mandarin version of the film’s theme song, “Reflection.” CoCo appeared in three films overall, including Lee Xin’s “Master of Everything” and “No Tobacco.”

CoCo was married to Canadian businessman Bruce Rockowitz, former chief executive of Li & Fung. Although she did not have biological children, she took on the role of stepmother to her husband’s two daughters.

In their Instagram post, CoCo’s sisters acknowledged that 2023 marked the 30th anniversary of her singing career.

“CoCo was known for her tireless efforts to pave the way for Chinese singers in the international music scene, and she wholeheartedly represented the Chinese community,” they wrote.

“As CoCo’s family, we are immensely grateful and proud to have had such an exceptional and remarkable sister. We thank God for blessing us with such a compassionate angel.”

Expressing their gratitude to the medical staff who cared for their sister in her final days, Carol and Nancy requested that fans honor CoCo’s memory by spreading positivity in the world.

“We hope that everyone will not only remember CoCo but also embody her radiant smile, treat others with sincerity, and extend kindness and love to everyone around us, thereby fulfilling CoCo’s wish to touch the lives of others with her love and happiness,” they expressed.

“While CoCo may have departed this world too soon, her luminous spirit will endure forever!” the sisters concluded their message.