Coco Lee passed away at 48

The devastating news was shared by Lee's older sister, Li Si Lin, on the social media platform, Weibo. In her heartfelt message, she revealed that Lee had been grappling with depression for several years. On July 2, the celebrated singer had attempted suicide at home and was rushed to the hospital where, despite exhaustive efforts by the medical team, she sadly passed away on July 5.

CoCo Lee was not only a beloved singer but also an emblem of strength and resilience. Her career, which spanned over 30 years, saw her reaching the zenith of the industry as one of the top Chinese female artists. Despite her dazzling professional success, her personal life was fraught with hardships, including multiple attempts at artificial insemination, a cheating spouse, and a tumultuous divorce that left her emotionally scarred.

The news has caused a ripple of shock and grief across Weibo, prompting netizens to express their sorrow and disbelief. For many, Lee's radiant smile and bubbly personality were a stark contrast to the internal turmoil she was silently enduring.

One user wrote, "It seems that the more cheerful a person appears on the outside, the more they are hiding their depression inside. If you have a tendency towards depression, don't hesitate to seek help from those around you and medical professionals. May CoCo find peace."

Another netizen commented, "It's hard to believe the news of CoCo's death due to depression. Behind all the joy and optimism we saw in her, there must have been a pain so great. The greater the joy appeared, the more tangible the pain must have been."

Many users shared fond memories of the songs that had touched their lives, recalling Lee's performances as not just an integral part of their musical journey, but also their personal lives. There were several mentions of Lee's classic song "Missing You 365 Days" from the animated film "Lotus Lantern," which has now taken on a poignant significance in light of her passing.

The tragedy has also sparked an important conversation on mental health, with many urging the importance of acknowledging and seeking help for depression. One netizen shared, "Take care of your mental health. If you're feeling down for a while and it's affecting your work and life, you should seek psychological counseling. There's no shame in seeing a mental health professional."

As fans mourn the loss of a cherished icon, the legacy of CoCo Lee continues to live on through her music. Her tragic passing underscores the silent battle many individuals are fighting against mental health issues, bringing to light the urgent need for societal awareness and support.