Content warning: This story discusses suicide.
Six months before her death, CoCo Lee reflected on a challenging time.
In the Disney alum's final post on Instagram, she wrote about the struggles she faced in 2022 and her hopes for the future. According to her sisters, Lee died by suicide on July 5.
"LOVE & FAITH ~my 2 favorite words that I carry strongly in my heart which I desperately needed to get thru this incredibly difficult year," she captioned the Dec. 30 post alongside a series of photos that included pictures of tattoos of these words. "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!"
Lee also shared some advice with her fans.
"Strength, courage, n bravery is within all of us so use them," she continued. "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."
In addition, the actress—who provided the voice of Mulan in the Mandarin version of Disney's 1998 film—noted she was looking forward to the year ahead and sharing her journey with others.
"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," she added at the time. "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."
Lee also urged her followers to live authentically and to pursue what brings them happiness.
"My dear friends… Be U n Live U!" she wrote. "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! Everything in life is a choice so choose what brings u joy n meaning."
And the singer—who also earned acclaim for performing the Oscar-nominated song "A Love Before Time" from the 2000 film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon—encouraged them to "say bye bye to 2022" and "all the s--t that happened" while saying hello to a new chapter.
"In 2023~Live a life of good intentions, truth, have faith in what u do, SMILE n choose happy!!!" she stated. "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. Stand up for something u believe in. Be an influential figure to inspire people. And keep Spreading LOVE & POSITIVITY everywhere."
Near the end of her message, Lee offered support to anyone struggling.
"I'm a female warrior baby!" she wrote. "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."
Her sisters Carol and Nancy wrote in a Facebook statement that Lee had attempted suicide on July 2 and was then rushed to the hospital, where she was in a coma before she died on July 5.
"CoCo had been suffering from depression for a few years but her condition deteriorated drastically over the last few months," they continued in their social media message. "Although, CoCo sought professional help and did her best to fight depression, sadly that demon inside of her took the better of her."
And they shared how they'll continue to honor her legacy.
"In the past 29 years, she's won countless international acclaims with top selling songs and has left audience w an astounding impression of her excellent live performances, Carol and Nancy added. "CoCo is also known to have worked tirelessly to open up a new world for Chinese singers in the international music scene, and she went all out to shine for the Chinese. We are proud of her!"
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.
