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Big Brother’s Rachel Reilly shared a touching tribute in honor of her late costar Mickey Lee.
Posting via X on Thursday, January 1, Rachel, 41, opened up about the impact Mickey had made on her life before her tragic death.
“I think I didn’t even give myself a chance to cry yet and looking back on 2025 and seeing posts of Mickey really has me thinking about how she had such a big impact on so many lives!” Reilly wrote. “I’ve been watching her stories and she was such an incredible woman – she’s touched so many lives and her fabric is woven throughout so many stories- she made an impact in my journey and I’ll always love her for it and never forget that about her.”
She continued, “I remember telling her one day in the HOH she’s part of my heart now and she always will be and I meant that 😍🥲 it’s so hard to loose a friend and especially such a bright light 💕 2025 wouldn’t have been as impactful without the journey I went on with big brother and Mickey 💕”
Mickey died in the early evening on December 25, 2025 after being hospitalized due to multiple cardiac arrests as she battled complications from the flu. She was 35.
“With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening,” her family wrote in a statement released via social media on Friday, December 26.
“Mickey captured the hearts of audiences nationwide through her appearance on Big Brother, where her authenticity, strength and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike,” the statement continued. “She will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed both on and off screen.”
Rachel Reilly. (Photo by Sara Mally/CBS via Getty Images)
Rachel, who was Mickey’s housemate in Big Brother’s Season 27, was among the show’s past players who reacted publicly after the news was announced.
“We are in shock and so saddened by the news of my big brother cast mate and family member- my heart is broken,” Rachel wrote via X on December 26. “My heart goes out to her family and lifelong friends. Big Brother doesn’t just give you castmates, it gives you family. I’m forever grateful I got to share that house and that experience with Mickey 💕.”
Rachel continued: “We walked into the Big Brother house as strangers and walked out bonded for life. I wish I could still thank her for the memories, the laughter, and the moments only we will ever understand. I’ll carry a bit of Mickey with me always. Rest in peace, my friend. 🤍.”
The Season 13 winner also shared a video of her, Mickey and Ashley Hollis from inside the Big Brother house.
The same day, Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves also took to social media to share her condolences after Mickey’s death.
“Two months ago I interviewed Mickey Lee on ‘God 101/’ That’s when she revealed to me that she was born with a hole in her heart, and as an adult she survived an ATV accident that should have killed her, but God kept her alive,” Julie wrote via Instagram. “Last night God brought her home 🕊️ Rest In Peace dear Mickey. I will see you again on the other side in eternity.”
During her season, Mickey played for 59 days in the Big Brother house. She was the final houseguest to be evicted prior to the jury phase starting.
