Kim Zolciak’s former boyfriend Lee Najjar widely known to The Real Housewives of Atlanta audience as “Big Poppa,” has passed away at the age of 68 according to multiple reports.
His daughter Katelin Najjar confirmed the heartbreaking news through an emotional Instagram tribute while reports noted that he died on Saturday April 18. The cause of death has not yet been publicly revealed, although his passing has been confirmed by official medical authorities.
Najjar a successful real estate investor with a multimillion-dollar fortune became an unforgettable yet unseen presence in reality television history due to his relationship with Kim Zolciak during the early seasons of the show.
Although he never appeared on screen his name became deeply woven into one of the franchise’s most talked-about and controversial storylines, as Zolciak often referred to him as her mysterious “Big Poppa.”
His relationship with Zolciak began in the late 2000s and quickly drew public fascination due to his lavish lifestyle and the way he supported her with luxury gifts, travel, and financial backing during her early rise in the entertainment industry.
However, the relationship also carried emotional and public scrutiny after it emerged that Najjar was still legally married at the time, although Zolciak maintained that he was estranged from his wife.
Najjar and Zolciak eventually parted ways in 2009, marking the end of a relationship that had become one of the most discussed elements of the show’s early narrative. Zolciak later reflected on him as “the love of my life,” before moving forward with her personal journey.
She went on to marry former NFL player Kroy Biermann in 2011, with whom she shares children, alongside children from a previous relationship.
Following the news of Najjar’s passing, his daughter Katelin shared deeply emotional tributes, posting cherished photos, personal videos, and a handwritten birthday card from her father in which he expressed pride, love, and admiration for her.
In one particularly emotional message, she simply wrote, “I love you,” accompanied by a video set to the song “Dancing in the Sky,” reflecting her grief and loss.
Close friends and family members also remembered Najjar with heavy hearts, describing him as a devoted father, a warm-hearted personality, and a man with a sharp sense of humor.
One close friend reflected on the deep void his passing has left, calling him someone who had a “profound impact” on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Najjar, who built his fortune through real estate ventures in Atlanta, was also known for his luxurious Buckhead mansion, a property that symbolized his success and was later sold for millions after previously gaining media attention.
Although he largely stayed out of the public eye, his indirect role in The Real Housewives of Atlanta left a lasting imprint on fans of the series. His passing now brings a somber close to the life of a man who, while private, became an unexpected and unforgettable part of reality television history.
