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Big Brother's Mickey Lee Dead at 35
Mickey Lee may be gone, but she's certainly not forgotten.
The late Big Brother star—who passed away on Christmas Day 2025—was honored during the CBS reality series' season 28 premiere nearly seven months after her death at age 35.
During the July 9 episode, a title card with Mickey's face was shown along with the caption, "In loving memory of Mickey Lee (1990 – 2025)."
The tribute comes half a year after Mickey, a houseguest who competed on Big Brother's 27th season last year, passed away several days after she was hospitalized for multiple cardiac arrests, which left her in critical condition before her Dec. 25 death.
"With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening," the reality star's loved ones wrote on Instagram Dec. 26. "Mickey captured the hearts of audiences nationwide through her appearance on Big Brother, where her authenticity, strength, and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike."
"She will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many," the note continued, "and for the genuine connections she formed both on and off screen."
The open letter also acknowledged the outpouring of support Mickey's loved ones received during her hospitalization for heart problems.
"Your kindness has been felt and is sincerely appreciated," the post added. "As the family mourns the tremendous loss, they respectfully request privacy during this critical time of bereavement."
Sara Mally/CBS via Getty Images
The message concluded, "Mickey's light, legacy, and impact will never be forgotten."
At the time, longtime Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves reflected on her brief friendship with Mickey.
"Two months ago I interviewed Mickey Lee on God 101," the former The Talk cohost wrote on Instagram. "That’s when she revealed to me that she was born with a hole in her heart, and as an adult she survived an ATV accident that should have killed her, but God kept her alive. Last night God brought her home."
"Rest In Peace dear Mickey," Chen Moonves continued. "I will see you again on the other side in eternity. I pray the good Lord comforts and heals your family and loved ones as we grieve your passing. Amen."
For a look back at Mickey's life in photos, keep reading.
Miami Selfie
Two years before appearing on Big Brother, Mickey Lee shared glimpses of her life on Instagram.
Vacation Snaps
Mickey snapped a series of pics during a trip to Mykonos, captioning a social media post, "Picasso couldn’t paint a better picture."
Birthday Festivities
To celebrate her birthday, Mickey and her friends rode horses together. As she captioned this April 2024 Instagram post, "giddy up."
Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images
Big Brother Milestone
As Mickey made her Big Brother debut in July 2025, she posed for a photo with the season 27 cast and host Julie Chen Moonves.
Mary Kouw/CBS News via Getty Images
End of an Era
Julie and Mickey sat down for a conversation as the season came to an end in September.
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Health Journey
On Dec. 22, Mickey's family shared she'd been hospitalized following a "series" of cardiac arrests. Three days later, the reality star passed away at the age of 35.
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