Coco Lee, Singer of 'Mulan's' 'Reflection,' Dies at 48 After Suicide Attempt

Created: JANUARY 27, 2025

Renowned singer Coco Lee, celebrated for voicing Mulan in the Mandarin version of Disney's animated classic and performing the Mandarin rendition of "Reflection," has passed away at the age of 48. Her sisters, Carol and Nancy, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, revealing that Lee had attempted suicide over the weekend and remained in a coma until her passing on Wednesday.

Lee had been battling depression for several years, and her condition tragically worsened in recent months. Despite seeking professional help and fighting valiantly, her sisters shared that the "demon inside of her took the better of her." This year marked the 30th anniversary of Lee's illustrious singing career, during which she achieved international acclaim with top-selling songs and captivating live performances. She was a trailblazer for Chinese singers in the international music scene, tirelessly working to create new opportunities and represent Chinese talent on a global stage.

Coco Lee performing

Born Ferren Lee in Hong Kong in 1975, Lee moved to San Francisco with her family during her childhood. She completed her education in the United States, attending middle school, high school, and U.C. Irvine before making her mark in the Chinese music industry. Lee's career blossomed in the 1990s as she became a prominent Chinese pop star, releasing albums in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. Her talent extended beyond the Chinese music scene, as she lent her voice to English hits like "Before I Fall in Love" from the "Runaway Bride" soundtrack and "A Love Before Time" from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Notably, she was the first Chinese singer to break into the American market, with her English song "Do You Want My Love" reaching #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Breakouts chart in December 1999.

Coco Lee smiling

In 2011, Lee married Canadian businessman Bruce Rockowitz and became a stepmother to his two daughters. In a poignant Instagram post on New Year's Eve, Lee reflected on the challenges she faced, emphasizing the importance of love, faith, and embracing her true self. She expressed gratitude for life and shared her desire to inspire others with her positive attitude and resilience in the face of adversity.

Coco Lee waving

Lee's sisters encouraged fans to honor her memory by sharing her bright smile, treating others with sincerity, and spreading kindness and love. They emphasized that while her time on Earth was too short, her radiant spirit would endure.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Comments(0)

Top Comments

Comment Form