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Lee “Big Poppa” Najjar, who once appeared in Kim Zolciak’s early reality TV storylines, has died at 68. The news arrived through a private, emotional post from his daughter, and fans of the Real Housewives era have been reacting online.
Family shares grief on social media
Najjar’s daughter, Katelin, broke the news on her Instagram Story. She posted a short video of herself dancing with Najjar in a car and wrote, “I love you,” alongside a dove and a broken-heart emoji. The clip was set to the song “Dancing in the Sky.”
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Katelin also shared a photo of Najjar dressed in a classic black suit. No official cause of death has been released. Najjar is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their four children: Katelin, Jeremy, Jared and Jamen.
Who was Lee “Big Poppa” Najjar?
Najjar worked in real estate and was known in celebrity circles for his relationship with reality star Kim Zolciak. During Zolciak’s early time on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, viewers heard about a man she called “Big Poppa,” a nickname she used publicly while keeping his identity mostly private.
At the time their romance began, Najjar was legally married but separated from his spouse. He provided financial support that helped shape the lifestyle fans saw on TV.
Relationship timeline
- Late 2000s: Najjar and Zolciak date while she films Season 1 of RHOA.
- 2009: The couple split amid on-again, off-again status.
- 2010: They reconciled briefly before parting ways for good.
Across interviews, Zolciak described a complicated attachment to Najjar and noted he remained an important figure in her life at times. She alternated between calling him a partner and acknowledging their separation.
How the relationship appeared on reality TV
- Najjar was not shown on camera as a public figure tied to the show.
- Zolciak referred to him indirectly, using the nickname that made him a part of the show’s backstory.
- Their private dynamics contributed to early RHOA storylines about dating and finances.
The couple’s private status contrasted with the show’s often-public drama. Fans learned of Najjar through Zolciak’s anecdotes rather than a formal introduction on air.
Personal life after Najjar
After Najjar, Zolciak married Kroy Biermann in 2011. The pair separated in 2023. Earlier, she had been married to Daniel Toce from 2001 to 2003. Over the years, Zolciak has referenced Najjar as a meaningful relationship from her past.
Public response and unanswered questions
News of Najjar’s death spread quickly across social feeds and entertainment outlets. Fans and former castmates shared memories and condolences. At this time, authorities and family sources have not released details about how he died.
What is known:
- Age at death: 68
- Announcement: Daughter Katelin’s Instagram Story
- Survivors: wife Kimberly and four children
- Cause of death: not yet disclosed
