Lee “Big Poppa” Najjar Dies at 68 — Kim Zolciak’s Mysterious Ex Remembered

In breaking entertainment news, Lee “Big Poppa” Najjar, the former boyfriend of reality TV star Kim Zolciak, has passed away at the age of 68. Najjar became widely known to fans of the hit reality series The Real Housewives of Atlanta due to his mysterious off-screen presence and lavish lifestyle connected to Zolciak during the early seasons of the show. His death has sparked widespread reactions across social media and entertainment circles, as fans revisit one of reality television’s most talked-about relationships.

Who Was Lee “Big Poppa” Najjar?

Lee Najjar was a wealthy real estate investor best known for his relationship with Kim Zolciak during the late 2000s. Though he never appeared directly on camera, his presence was frequently referenced on the show, where he was known simply as “Big Poppa.

Najjar reportedly built his fortune through real estate development and investments, becoming a well-known businessman in the United States. His wealth and private lifestyle made him a mysterious figure, fueling curiosity among fans and media outlets during the early years of the series.

Lee Najjar’s Death Confirmed

Lee Najjar died on April 18, 2026, at the age of 68. The news of his passing was confirmed by his daughter, Katelin Najjar, who shared emotional tributes and memories on social media.

As of now, the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, though authorities confirmed the date of his passing. His family and loved ones have requested privacy during this difficult time.

Najjar is survived by his wife Kimberly and their children, who have shared heartfelt messages remembering him as a loving father and family man.

Relationship With Kim Zolciak

Lee Najjar gained widespread recognition because of his relationship with Kim Zolciak during the early seasons of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, which first aired in 2008.

Kim referred to him only as “Big Poppa” to protect his identity. His name was not publicly revealed at first, creating mystery among viewers. He was known for supporting Kim’s luxurious lifestyle, including gifts, travel, and housing. Their relationship was described as on-and-off, eventually ending around 2009–2010.Zolciak once described Najjar as “the love of my life,” though the couple eventually parted ways permanently.

Why “Big Poppa” Became So Famous

Even though Lee Najjar never appeared on screen, his influence played a major role in shaping early storylines of the show. His mysterious identity His enormous wealth The secretive nature of his relationship The controversy surrounding his marital status during the relationship These factors helped make him one of the most talked-about unseen figures in reality TV history.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Response

Following the announcement of his death, fans and followers of The Real Housewives of Atlanta expressed sadness and nostalgia online. Many revisited classic moments from early seasons and remembered the intrigue surrounding the “Big Poppa” storyline.

Reality TV fans noted that his relationship with Kim Zolciak was one of the most memorable aspects of the show’s early success, making his passing a notable moment in entertainment news.