Tim White
Jul 05, 2023 - 09:05

Tragic Passing of Coco Lee, Acclaimed Hong Kong Singer-Songwriter, at Age 48

Hong Kong-born singer Coco Lee dies at 48 after suicide attempt.

Coco Lee, a renowned singer-songwriter originally from Hong Kong, has tragically passed away at the age of 48. Her sisters, Carol and Nancy Lee, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement shared on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

According to the statement, Coco had been battling depression and had sought professional help in her fight against it. However, despite her efforts, she ultimately succumbed to the darkness within her. On July 2, she took her own life at home and was rushed to Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong. Despite the dedicated efforts of the hospital team to save her and treat her coma, Coco passed away on July 5, 2023.

Coco Lee had an illustrious career that spanned over three decades. One of her most notable achievements was lending her voice to the Mandarin-language version of Disney's Mulan, where she portrayed the female warrior Mulan. Additionally, she performed the Oscar-nominated song "A Love Before Time" from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Born in Hong Kong in 1975, Coco was the youngest of three siblings. Her father had already passed away before her birth, and her mother made the decision to relocate the family to San Francisco when Coco was just nine years old.

After graduating from high school in 1992, Coco was offered a recording contract in Hong Kong, which led her to leave her studies at the University of California, Irvine, to pursue her music career. She signed with Sony Music Entertainment in 1996, and her debut album, titled "Coco Lee," became the best-selling album in Asia that year.

Coco quickly gained a dedicated fan base in both Asia and the United States, propelling her into collaborations and English-language songs. Throughout her career, she released 18 studio albums and appeared in three films, including notable works like Lee Xin's "Master of Everything" and Stanley Kwan's "No Tobacco."

In 2011, Coco married Bruce Rockowitz, a Canadian businessman who previously served as the CEO of the Hong Kong supply chain company Li & Fung. He survives her, along with her sisters and two stepdaughters.

The loss of Coco Lee is a devastating blow to the music industry and her fans around the world. Her talent, passion, and contributions will be remembered and cherished for years to come.