Kim Zolciak is currently going through quite a lot, and this personal loss just stacks it!

The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star’s mystery benefactor, famously known as “Big Poppa,” whose real name is Lee Najjar on the show, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Kim Zolciak used to keep the identity of her benefactor hidden on the show, but she always got lavish gifts from him, including cars, lavish jewels, clothing, a Range Rover, and a house, allegedly.

Kim Zolciak’s Sugar Daddy’s Death Was Confirmed By His Daughter

The Bravo star’s Big Poppa reportedly passed away on Saturday, April 18, according to his daughter, Katelin, on her Instagram Story. Katelin uploaded pictures of them together, accompanied by a touching tribute from someone else.

“It’s so hard to imagine life without Lee, but who he was and what he meant to those who knew and loved him will never leave us. He had such a profound impact on my life, and I feel so fortunate to have shared so many unforgettable moments and life experiences with him, and because ©katelin_najjar and Lee were incredibly close and shared a special bond,” the tribute noted.

The original poster revealed that Najjar would do anything to make his daughter happy, including putting up with their shenanigans day in and day out for decades. The tribute described him as a smart businessman who had an excellent sense of humor. 

The tribute emphasized that they would miss his one-liners and his sense of humor so much because he was incredibly witty and passed that trait down to his daughter. “Over the last few days, Katelin and I have been reminiscing about so many beautiful memories, and I know we’ll continue talking about him and keeping his memory alive forever,” the tribute concluded.

Lee Najjar Was Reportedly Funding The Bravo Star’s Lifestyle While Still Married

Najjar’s name was pretty well known on the show during the early seasons of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” as the man behind Zolciak’s smile who spoiled her silly with premium goodies. According to TMZ, the scandalous aspect of their alleged relationship was the fact that Najjar was still very much married to another woman while he was with Zolciak. 

Najjar shared four kids with his wife, including Katelin, and while he never fully featured on camera while the tapes rolled, he helped put “RHOA” on the map as one of the must-watched TV shows. Zolciak got candid in 2009 when the relationship between them ended, describing Najjar as the love of her life and how it was now time for her to move on shortly after his identity became public. 

It was after she moved on from the wealthy realtor that she met and married her now estranged husband, Kroy Biermann. The businessman and his family also appeared on an episode of MTV’s Teen Cribs in 2009, displaying their $25 million mansion in Buckhead, Georgia.

The Businessman Got Into Legal Trouble After He Parted Ways With Kim Zolciak

Shortly after Najjar and Zolciak parted ways, he was arrested for failing to appear in court regarding a case related to his refusal to maintain one of his properties. As noted by The List, before his arrest, he was fined $75,000 for the poor upkeep of the home and failing to appear in court over the issue.

The businessman may have also suffered some financial difficulties when he lost his “Teen Cribs” mansion to foreclosure, although the reasons that led to the foreclosure were never made public.

Najjar’s wife, who also bears Kimberly, keeps a relatively low profile online and offline, and they both appear very devoted to their children while showcasing the comfortable lifestyle they enjoy with their children.

Inside The Bravo Star’s Dating History

Before her relationship with the wealthy businessman, Zolciak was married to Daniel Toce in 2001 and welcomed her first daughter, Ariana. In Touch explained that a few months after they tied the knot, they filed for divorce alongside a mutual restraining order.

After she split with Najjar, Kim found love in the arms of Biermann at a then-Atlanta Falcons player, at a charity event in May 2010, which was being filmed on camera. The couple even landed a spin-off titled “Don’t Be Tardy to the Wedding,” which began airing in April 2012, following their ceremony and their family life.

The duo became parents to their first child, Kroy Jr., one year after meeting and eventually tied the knot at their suburban Atlanta home six months after welcoming their baby. Biermann eventually adopted Zolciak’s daughters, Brielle and Ariana, in July 2013.

Kim Zolciak Went In For Therapy Early April

This month, The Blast shared that Zolciak was ordered to complete a court-ordered therapy starting April 3 and ending April 13, after which she would get to see her kids. She was ordered to go through four therapy sessions while her kids stayed with her estranged husband, Biermann.

The star’s estranged husband had demanded sole custody of the four minor children days before Zolciak was given the therapy order, citing that she had been out of the country for a very long time and had not spent time with her children.

Biermann continued in his filing that he missed court-ordered therapy sessions and also failed to protect their child from being attacked by a dog the last time the children were with the “RHOA” star. Zolciak kicked back against these claims, describing them as a deliberate attempt to tarnish her image.

Rest in peace, Lee Najjar.