5-7-2023 (HONG KONG) Coco Lee, the Chinese-American singer-songwriter and actress, has tragically passed away, leaving fans and friends in shock and sorrow. The 48-year-old artist had been facing divorce rumors and dealing with a foot injury in recent months. Today, her family members, Carol and Nancy, confirmed the news of her passing.
In an official statement to the media, Carol and Nancy expressed their profound grief and shared that Coco had been battling depression for several years. Despite her long fight against the illness, her condition deteriorated, leading to her untimely death at her residence on July 2nd. She was immediately rushed to the hospital but remained in a coma until her recent passing.
Coco Lee was an adored figure in the music industry, having made her debut 29 years ago. Her immense talent and unwavering dedication brought joy to countless fans, and she tirelessly promoted Chinese music on the global stage. Her family members expressed their pride in her accomplishments and extended their gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support.
As Coco’s family, they felt privileged and honored to have had such an exceptional and compassionate sister. They hoped that she had found solace in a happier place, free from the burden of depression. They believed that she was now among the angels and committed themselves to caring for their elderly mother. In this challenging time, they requested prayers and support from everyone.
Coco Lee, born Ferren Lee on January 17th, 1975, in Hong Kong, was the youngest of three children. Her father, a Chinese Indonesian, had passed away before her birth, and she, along with her sisters, was raised by their Hong Kong Cantonese mother. At the age of nine, her family relocated to San Francisco, where she spent her teenage years. She attended Presidio Middle School and Raoul Wallenberg Traditional High School.
Following her high school graduation, Coco Lee received a recording contract offer in Hong Kong, prompting her to pursue a full-time career in music. In 1999, she released her first full-length English-language album, titled “Just No Other Way.” She gained further recognition for her performances at the Oscars, where she mesmerized the audience with her rendition of “A Love Before Time” from the film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”
Coco Lee married Bruce Rockowitz, a Jewish-Canadian businessman and former CEO of Li & Fung, in 2011. Their extravagant Jewish wedding ceremony in Hong Kong was celebrated, and she commemorated the occasion with the release of a song titled “I Just Wanna Marry You.” In 2016, she revealed that she had two stepdaughters from her husband’s previous marriage.
