'You were my first idol': Stars pay tribute to Coco Lee

The world was shocked yesterday (Jul 5) by the news of Hong Kong–born American singer Coco Lee's sudden passing at the age of 48.
The tragedy was confirmed by the late singer's older sister and ex-manager, Nancy, who shared on social media that Coco had been in a coma since July 2, after attempting suicide at home. Unfortunately, Coco died in the hospital three days later.
Many of Coco's celeb pals, such as JJ Lin and Stefanie Sun, and S.H.E members Selina Jen, Hebe Tien and Ella Chen have taken to their socials to pay tribute to the star.
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Rainie Yang
Sharing a picture with the late star on Facebook, Rainie shared that Coco was her "very first idol" and her "role model".
The singer also shared that Coco had "faced her audience with such passion" and was always "so warm and encouraging towards the younger artistes".
"My heart really really aches, I just hope that you're no longer suffering anymore. You'll always live in the hearts of everyone. R.I.P Coco," she wrote.
Photos: Rainie Yang/Facebook

S.H.E members Selina Jen, Hebe Tien and Ella Chen
On her Instagram Stories, Selina mourned: "As your fan, I was so lucky to have met you and even gave you a big hug. Coco Lee, my forever idol. I love you. R.I.P." She also added a picture of her hugging the late singer.
Meanwhile, Hebe shared Coco's 2009 hit song 'Landing' in her Insta Stories. She wrote: "[I] remember your smile which was as bright as the sun. And the beautiful way you treated the people and things around you."
Ella also dedicated a post to Coco on IG, saying: "[I] really can't believe it. The oh-so-cheerful person that you are, actually made such a decision. The brighter your smile was, the more our heart aches. Hope you're free from illnesses and pain, and will be a happy angel without sadness in the other world. Please rest in peace and I hope all those who love you would be in great spirits whenever they think of you."
Photos: Selina Jen/Hebe Tien/Ella Chen/Instagram

JJ Lin
Local singer JJ also paid tribute to his pal on Instagram last night.
"It hurts. Really hurts to lose a dear friend. I wish life could have been gentler on your soul. The world has lost one of the most iconic performers and artistes of all time," wrote JJ.
Addressing his late friend, JJ continued: "Dear Coco @cocolee (our music warrior), the music universe will never be the same without you, we will miss you very much."
Photo: JJ Lin/Instagram

Stefanie Sun
Meanwhile, Stef shared a few adorable cheeky selfies with Coco to commemorate her late friend.
"Rest in peace sweet Coco. Thank you for the best smiles and the best performances. We all feel this loss keenly and wish the family peace and strength during this time," she wrote.
Photo: Stefanie Sun/Instagram

G.E.M
The Hong Kong singer took to Instagram Stories to pay tribute to Coco earlier today (Jul 6).
"Omg... I can't believe it... You've been such a sweet and loving sister. You've been such a brave and strong woman," she recalled.
"I can't imagine how much you've been through. Can't imagine how much pain was behind your smile. Lost all my words. I'll miss you sis, @cocolee. Rest in peace."
Photo: Coco Lee/Weibo

Joey Yung
Sharing a black and white photo of her with Coco, the Hong Kong star grieved: "[I'm] really so sad. This is too hard to accept. [I] hope Coco is free from all pain. Rest in Peace."
Photo: Joey Yung/Instagram

Elva Hsiao
Grieving the loss of her friend, Elva shared in her Facebook post: "We lost showbiz's first pop diva who can sing and dance! She was my mentor. She was my queen since I was young. I'll always remember the way she looked so happy."
Elva went on to share that her "heart really aches" and that Coco would "remain in [her] heart for life".
She recalled: "The last thing she said to me was "Elva, come back, singing!". Until now I still can't believe [that she's gone]. My heart hurts so much! She's my forever queen, I can't bear for her to leave!"
Photo: 8world

David Tao
In a Facebook post, David wrote: "I heard about this super charming female singer who could sing and dance before I even entered the industry. She had so many qualities and the aura of a diva. She is Coco Lee."
"Back when I just got to know her, I remember her telling me warmly: 'You can also call me Ferren'. I thought to myself, this up-and-coming queen is so nice, so friendly. That's the Coco in my heart," he recalled.
'Ferren' is Coco's actual first name, with Coco being her nickname that she eventually used in showbiz.
"[I] heard about her passing today and couldn't help but feel sad. We will miss and always remember you, Coco."
Photos: David Tao/Facebook

Jolin Tsai
Jolin, who was one of the Mandopop queens that came after Coco, wrote on her social media: "R.I.P. [I'll] Always remember you with that radiant smile of yours."
Photo: Jolin Tsai/Facebook

Shu Qi
The actress shared this gorgeous portrait of the late star, writing: "Hope there is no pain in Heaven".
Photo: Shu Qi/ Instagram