Big Brother star Rachel Reilly has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late co-star, Mickey Lee.

In a post on X dated January 1, Rachel, 41, expressed how profoundly Mickey had influenced her life before her untimely passing.

“I haven’t even had the chance to cry yet, but reflecting on 2025 and seeing posts about Mickey makes me realize just how significant her impact was on so many lives,” Reilly shared. “I’ve been revisiting her stories, and she truly was an amazing woman—her influence is evident in countless narratives. She played a significant role in my journey, and I will always cherish and remember her for that.”

Reilly added, “I once told her in the HOH room that she had become a part of my heart, and she will always remain there. Losing a friend, especially one so radiant, is incredibly difficult. The year 2025 wouldn’t have been as meaningful without my time on Big Brother and the experience I shared with Mickey.”

Mickey Lee, known from Big Brother 27, was recently admitted to the ICU after experiencing flu-related cardiac arrests. An update on Mickey’s Instagram on December 22 stated, “Mickey recently endured several cardiac arrests due to flu complications and is currently in critical but stable condition in the ICU. She has been surrounded by love and support […]”

Mickey died in the early evening on December 25, 2025 after being hospitalized due to multiple cardiac arrests as she battled complications from the flu. She was 35.

“With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening,” her family wrote in a statement released via social media on Friday, December 26.

“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.”

Rachel, who was Mickey’s housemate in Big Brother’s Season 27, was among the show’s past players who reacted publicly after the news was announced.

“We are in shock and so saddened by the news of my big brother cast mate and family member- my heart is broken,” Rachel wrote via X on December 26. “My heart goes out to her family and lifelong friends. Big Brother doesn’t just give you castmates, it gives you family. I’m forever grateful I got to share that house and that experience with Mickey 💕.”

Rachel continued: “We walked into the Big Brother house as strangers and walked out bonded for life. I wish I could still thank her for the memories, the laughter, and the moments only we will ever understand. I’ll carry a bit of Mickey with me always. Rest in peace, my friend. 🤍.”

A clip of Big Brother’s Mickey Lee rehashing her eerie palm reading has resurfaced in the days after her death. In the clip from Big Brother season 27, Lee recalled being told by houseguest Ava Pearl during a palm reading that her “life line” on her palm was “kind of short.” “I was like, ‘Wait, […]

The Season 13 winner also shared a video of her, Mickey and Ashley Hollis from inside the Big Brother house.

The same day, Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves also took to social media to share her condolences after Mickey’s death.

“Two months ago I interviewed Mickey Lee on ‘God 101/’ 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,” Julie wrote via Instagram. “Last night God brought her home 🕊️ Rest In Peace dear Mickey. I will see you again on the other side in eternity.”

During her season, Mickey played for 59 days in the Big Brother house. She was the final houseguest to be evicted prior to the jury phase starting.