Lee Najjar, the enigmatic Atlanta real estate investor famously known as 'Big Poppa' from the early seasons of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, has passed away at the age of 68.
Najjar died on Saturday, April 18, as confirmed by the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner. His daughter, Katelin, shared the news through a heartfelt Instagram tribute, posting a series of photos celebrating their time together. The exact cause of death remains undisclosed.
During the show's formative years, Najjar became a central, though largely unseen, character. He was widely recognized as the financial benefactor behind former housewife Kim Zolciak's lavish lifestyle, a dynamic that fueled intense speculation and drama among viewers. Notably, their relationship unfolded while Najjar was reportedly still married to another woman, with whom he shared four children: Jared, Jeremy, Katelin, and Jamen.
"He will always be the love of my life, but it's time for me to move on," Zolciak remarked in 2009, reflecting on the end of their romance shortly before his identity was publicly revealed.
Despite never appearing fully on camera, 'Big Poppa's' shadow loomed large over the series, contributing to one of its most compelling early narratives and helping solidify RHOA as a cultural phenomenon. His passing marks the end of an era for fans who followed the show's original scandals and storylines.