6-6-2023 (LOS ANGELES) Anna Shay, the beloved matriarch of Bling Empire fame, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 62, according to confirmation from PEOPLE. The news of her untimely demise has left fans and admirers devastated.
In a heartfelt statement, Shay’s family expressed their sorrow over the loss of their beloved mother and grandmother. They revealed that Anna Shay had suffered a stroke, which ultimately led to her passing. Describing her as a charismatic star and their “brightest ray of sunshine,” the family emphasized the life lessons she imparted, encouraging everyone to embrace a lighthearted approach to life and relish its finer aspects. While her physical presence may be gone, her impact on their lives will forever be cherished.
Shay rose to prominence through her appearance on the inaugural season of Bling Empire, a popular Netflix reality show that premiered in 2021. With her captivating personality and unique background, she quickly became a fan favorite. Viewers were particularly intrigued by the enigmatic nature of her wealth.
During the show, fellow cast member Kane Lim referred to Shay’s immense wealth, mentioning her mixed Japanese and Russian heritage. Speculation arose about the source of her riches, with Lim suggesting they were derived from “weapons.” However, Shay vehemently denied this claim, recounting her conversation with Lim and clarifying that her father was actually the founder of Pacific Architects and Engineers. This global contracting company has been providing services to the American defense sector since the 1960s, as reported by NBC. Shay’s family history dispelled the misconceptions surrounding her fortune.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Shay expressed her surprise at the unexpected success and attention that came with her appearance on Bling Empire. She admitted her initial shyness and shared how she simply went along with the situations presented to her on the show, staying true to herself throughout the filming process.
The most recent season of Bling Empire, which aired on Netflix in October, showcased Shay offering advice to her fellow cast members. Despite their opulent lifestyles and newfound fame, she reminded them that there is more to life than superficiality and materialism. Shay’s last Instagram activity was in December when she extended holiday wishes to her followers and expressed gratitude to Netflix for the opportunities she had received.
Shay leaves behind her son, Kenny Kemp. While the statement mentioned her grandchildren, their identities have not been publicly disclosed.
