Coco Lee Opened Up About Her 'Difficult Year' Before Her Death

Just months before Coco Lee's death, the actress published a letter on social media opening up about the struggles she faced over the past year.

In a statement she shared via Instagram on Dec. 31, 2022, the actress described 2022 as an "incredibly difficult year."

Alongside a series of photos that included snaps of the words "love" and "faith" tattooed on her arms, Lee began, "LOVE & FAITH ~my 2 favorite words that I carry strongly in my heart which I desperately needed to get thru this incredibly difficult year. Life seemed unbearable at times but I adapted the attitude of a 'female warrior' to face them head on fearlessly but always had the biggest smile and big fat laughters!"

Also sharing advice with those who may also have been struggling, she wrote: "Strength, courage, n bravery is within all of us so use them. U will gain most precious 'Wisdom' which will change ur perspective on life from here onward. Be a hungry mind that constantly wanna learn n grow and to gain a treasure chest of wisdom."

"My goal in 2023 is to share my life story n how i faced major life changing hurdles n still manage to keep a positive attitude," Lee explained. "I am happy to say I am finally living the real me. It’s the best feeling n I’m grateful everyday to be alive n I get to share my thoughts with u. My dear friends… Be U n Live U! Remember there’s only 1 of u in the world, u r one of a kind💖. Life can be too short so dare to dream big!"

She also reflected on her hopes for the future, adding, "In 2023~Live a life of good intentions, truth, have faith in what u do, SMILE n choose happy!!! Be a winner, not a victim. Don’t take things personal, never judge a book by it’s cover, do care about the suffering of others n try to help if u can, love our Mother Earth, be a good listener, gain wisdom, and have abundance of love to give to others. Be the boss of ur own life."

Lee continued: "Stand up for something u believe in. Be an influential figure to inspire people. And keep Spreading LOVE & POSITIVITY everywhere. I’m a female warrior baby!"

"Just like The Great Wall of China I will never fall. If I can overcome anything, so can u! You are not alone, no matter how hard life gets, I’m with u," she concluded.

Lee's death was confirmed by her sisters, Carol and Nancy, via a statement shared on Facebook yesterday, which also praised the Hong Kong-born singer for her work in the industry.

"Not only did she bring us joy with her songs and dances in the past 29 years, she also worked hard to break new ground for Chinese singers in the international music scene and has been doing her utmost to shine for the Chinese," Lee's sisters wrote.

After releasing two Mandarin albums in 1994, and an English album in 1995, Lee continued to make her mark in the music industry. In 1999, she took the stage for a Michael Jackson & Friends benefit concert in South Korea, and that same year, her song, "Before I Fall in Love," made the final cut of the hit film Runaway Bride starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

Lee also performed songs in a list of other films, including Rush Hour 2, Soul Land 2 and Tournée. She won a Hong Kong Film Award for Best Original Song in 2001 for "Moonlight Lover," featured in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, as well as the International Viewers Choice Award at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). Lee was also nominated for two other Chinese entertainment awards in 2005 for her work in the fairytale Zi yu zi le (Bamboo Shoot).

If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.