Trigger warning: This article mentions death, reader discretion is advised.Lee Najjar, the real estate investor best known to ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ viewers as Kim Zolciak’s former boyfriend “Big Poppa,” has died at 68. Najjar’s daughter, Katelin, confirmed his death on Tuesday on Instagram Stories. She posted a video of the two dancing in a car and wrote, “I love you,” then shared a second image that showed him in a black suit. His cause of death has not been revealed. Najjar is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their children: Katelin, Jeremy, Jared, and Jamen. His death has also renewed interest in his past relationship with Zolciak, which became a major storyline during Season 1 of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ in 2008.
Rhoa star Kim Zolciak’s ex Lee Najjar dies at 68
Page Six reported that Katelin confirmed her father’s death on Instagram Stories, while TMZ revisited Najjar’s history with Zolciak and her past comments about their breakup. People previously published Zolciak’s remarks about their on-and-off relationship during and after the first season of the Bravo series.
Lee Najjar and Kim Zolciak’s relationship revisited
During Season 1 of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta,’ Zolciak did not publicly name Najjar on the show and instead referred to him as “Big Poppa.” He was presented as the man behind her luxury lifestyle at the time. Their relationship drew attention because Najjar was still legally married, though Zolciak said he was no longer with his wife.Speaking to People ahead of the Season 1 reunion, Zolciak said, “We were engaged. And he’s a great person.” She added, “He’s still a part of my everyday life at this point. I don’t know what the future holds. I’m crazy about him. And he’s great to my girls.”She also told the outlet, “He is legally married, but he’s estranged from his wife,” and explained that “sometimes things take a while to move forward.”The pair split in 2009, but Zolciak later told People they got back together the next year. TMZ also reported that when they broke up, Zolciak called Najjar “the love of my life” and said, “But it’s time for me to move on.”Zolciak was previously married to Daniel Toce from 2001 to 2003. She later married Kroy Biermann in 2011. They separated in 2023.
