‘RHOA’ alum Kim Zolciak’s ex Lee ‘Big Poppa’ Najjar dead at 68

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“The Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum Kim Zolciak’s ex-boyfriend Lee “Big Poppa” Najjar has died at the age of 68.

The real estate investor’s death was confirmed by his daughter, Katelin, via her Instagram Story on Tuesday.

She shared a video of herself and Najjar dancing in the car, captioning it, “I love you,” alongside a dove and a red broken-heart emoji.

“Real Housewife of Atlanta” alum Kim Zolciak’s ex-boyfriend Lee “Big Poppa” Najjar (seen here) has died. WireImage
The businessman (seen here in 2009) was 68. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Katelin paired the clip with the 2016 Dani and Lizzy track, “Dancing in the Sky.”

In a separate story, she shared a photo of the businessman dressed up in a classic black suit.

Najjar’s cause of death has yet to be revealed. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their children, Katelin, Jeremy, Jared and Jamen.

Zolciak (seen here in 2019) and Najjar dated in her early years of “RHOA.” Getty Images
At the time, Najjar (right) was still married to his wife, Kimberly (left). Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Najjar and Zolciak, meanwhile, previously dated during Season 1 of “RHOA,” which aired in 2008.

The former housewife never revealed Najjar’s identity, instead referring to him as “Big Poppa,” the man who funded her lavish lifestyle.

At the time they were together, Najjar was legally married to his wife despite being separated.

However, the duo (seen here in 2010) was separated. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Zolciak (seen here in 2020) previously referred to her ex as the “love of [her] life.” WireImage

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Leading up to the Season 1 reunion, Zolciak shed light on their on-again, off-again romance, revealing they had parted ways.

“We were engaged. And he’s a great person,” she previously told People. “He’s still a part of my everyday life at this point. I don’t know what the future holds. I’m crazy about him. And he’s great to my girls.”

“He is legally married, but he’s estranged from his wife,” the former reality star added, explaining that “sometimes things take a while to move forward.”

She also claimed that they were engaged. Seen here: Zolciak in 2019. NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Zolciak (seen here in July 2025) and Najjar parted ways for good in 2010. Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images

After splitting in 2009, Zolciak and Najjar reconciled the following year, she later told the outlet.

According to TMZ, the Bravo alum previously referred to Najjar as “the love of my life” when they broke up, saying, “But it’s time for me to move on.”

Zolciak was previously wed to Daniel Toce from 2001 to 2003 before tying the knot again to her estranged husband, Kroy Biermann, in 2011. The exes parted ways in 2023.

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