Big Brother 27 player Mickey Lee was born with a hole in her heart, she told host Julie Chen Moonves during a September appearance on her “God 101” podcast. One day after Lee’s death at age 35, Chen Moonves, 55, reflected on their discussion.
“Two months ago I interviewed Mickey Lee on ‘God 101,’” Chen Moonves wrote via Instagram on Friday, December 26. “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.”
She continued, “Last night God brought her home 🕊️ Rest In Peace dear Mickey. 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 🙏🏼.”
Lee died on Thursday, December 25, after being hospitalized following multiple cardiac arrests. She had been battling complications from the flu and was in “critical but stable” condition, her family reported on Monday, December 22.
The family broke the news of Mickey’s death on Friday morning via her Instagram account.
“With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening,” their statement read.
“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,” the statement continued. “She will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed both on and off screen.”
Mickey spent 59 days in the Big Brother house during the summer of 2025 and was the last player to be evicted before the jury phase began. She was best known for using her “HoH Interrogator” power to dethrone Rylie Jeffries and subsequently nominate him for eviction. She stumbled, however, when she was convinced to also nominate her ally, Jimmy Heagerty, who was ultimately evicted when Rylie, 27, won his way off the chopping block.
Mickey’s family had also launched a GoFundMe when they first revealed her illness in an effort to offset medical costs. As of Friday morning, it had raised more than $32,000.
“Many of you know Mickey Lee from Big Brother (CBS) where she became one of the most talked about houseguests on Season 27,” their statement read at the time. “A vibrant, strategic and unforgettable personality, Mickey captured the attention of fans with her energy, authenticity and bold gameplay. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, and based in Atlanta, Georgia, she brought charm and fierce competition to the Big Brother house as an event curator and creative force.”
Her fellow Big Brother 27 players began posting tributes to their fellow houseguest as the news began to spread.
“Forever my girl. Rest in power, Micks,” Jimmy, 25, wrote via his Instagram Story over a photo of the two of them having a drink together.
“Was hoping for different news regarding Mickey,” fourth-place finisher Ava Pearl added via her Instagram Story. “A genuine tragedy for anyone to pass as young as she did, wishing her friends and family peace, respect, and privacy during this time. No matter what, we lost a member of the Big Brother family and she will be missed.”
Us Weekly has reached out to CBS for comment.
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