The man behind one of reality TV’s most enduring mysteries has passed away. Lee Najjar, the wealthy real estate investor known to The Real Housewives of Atlanta fans as Kim Zolciak’s elusive benefactor “Big Poppa,” died on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The news was confirmed by the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner and his daughter, Katelin Najjar, who shared a series of emotional tributes on social media. The Lee Big Poppa Najjar dead April 2026 report marks the end of a figure who, despite never appearing on camera, defined the early seasons of the Bravo franchise.
Throughout the first two seasons of RHOA, Lee Najjar was a ghost-like presence who bankrolled Kim Zolciak’s lavish lifestyle. While his face was never shown, his presence was felt through:
• The Gifts: He famously provided Kim with a white Range Rover, high-end designer bags, and a luxury townhouse.
• The Catchphrase: Kim’s frequent phone calls to “Big Poppa” became a staple of the series, leading to his status as a legendary off-screen character.
• The Controversy: At the time of their relationship, Najjar was married to his wife, Kimberly, which fueled significant tension and gossip among the Atlanta housewives, particularly Nene Leakes.
Lee’s daughter, Katelin Najjar, broke the news on Tuesday, April 21, sharing a slate of Instagram Story pictures of them together. “I love you,” she wrote in a simple, heartbreaking tribute. Friends of the family described Lee as a “smart businessman” who was “genuinely funny,” possessing a sharp wit that he passed down to his children.
Najjar is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and his two children, Katelin and Jeremy. While the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, the loss has prompted a wave of nostalgia from longtime Bravo viewers who remember the “Big Poppa” era as the height of reality TV intrigue.
As of Thursday morning, April 23, Kim Zolciak has yet to publicly comment on the passing of the man she once called the “love of her life.” The Don’t Be Tardy star is currently embroiled in a contentious divorce from former NFL player Kroy Biermann, a relationship that began shortly after her final split from Najjar in 2009.
Though he stayed out of the spotlight in his later years, Lee Najjar’s legacy remains tied to the golden age of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, where his wealth and mystery helped launch a reality TV empire.
