Lee Najjar, known as ‘Big Poppa’ on Real Housewives of Atlanta and Kim Zolciak’s ex, has died at 68. His daughter Katelin confirmed the news on April 22, 2026. Cause of death unknown.
Lee Najjar, the wealthy Atlanta real estate developer who became one of the most talked-about off-camera figures in Real Housewives of Atlanta history under the nickname “Big Poppa,” has died at the age of 68. Najjar passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with his death confirmed by his daughter Katelin Najjar through a series of emotional Instagram Story posts shared on April 22. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner also confirmed his passing to TMZ. No cause of death has been publicly released at this time.
Lee Najjar first entered the public consciousness during the early seasons of Real Housewives of Atlanta, which premiered on Bravo in 2008. He was the mysterious figure known only as “Big Poppa,” the nickname given to him by cast member Kim Zolciak to conceal his identity while he openly funded her lavish lifestyle on camera. Zolciak spoke frequently about her wealthy boyfriend throughout Seasons 1 and 2, describing him buying her expensive gifts, funding exotic trips, and supporting her day-to-day life — all while his face was never shown on camera and his name was never confirmed on the show. The mystery surrounding “Big Poppa’s” identity became one of the juiciest and most discussed storylines in the early history of the Housewives franchise, helping cement RHOA as must-watch television at a time when the show was still establishing itself.
Najjar’s true identity eventually became public knowledge through media reporting, revealing him to be an established and successful Atlanta-area businessman with a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio. His Buckhead mansion alone was valued at an estimated $25 million, and his net worth was reported to be in the range of $50 million, built through decades of commercial and residential property development across the Atlanta metropolitan area. Despite his wealth and the public attention his relationship with Zolciak generated, Najjar remained a largely private figure throughout his life, declining to appear on camera and allowing the RHOA storyline to play out without directly participating in it.
The relationship between Lee Najjar and Kim Zolciak was complicated from the start by the fact that Najjar was still legally married to his wife Kimberly throughout their time together. Zolciak addressed this publicly on the show and in interviews, maintaining that he was estranged from his wife and describing their connection as a genuine and serious romantic relationship. The couple split in 2009, with Zolciak telling media that Najjar would “always be the love of my life” but that it was time for her to move on. The two reportedly reconciled briefly in 2010 before going their separate ways permanently. Kim Zolciak later married former NFL player Kroy Biermann in 2011, a relationship that produced four children before their highly publicized divorce proceedings began in 2023.
Lee Najjar is survived by his wife Kimberly and their children, including daughter Katelin, who confirmed his death with a deeply personal tribute. Alongside photos of the two of them together, a family friend shared a touching tribute describing the profound impact Lee had on those closest to him. “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,” the tribute read. “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 of him. Lee Lee, you will be deeply missed. I know you’re in heaven listening to Amr Diab and eating grape leaves.” Katelin also shared a handwritten birthday card from her father, in which he wrote: “You will always have my whole heart. I am so proud of you and your accomplishments and always love you.”
Kim Zolciak had not publicly commented on Lee Najjar’s death as of the time of publishing. The cause of death remains unknown and has not been confirmed by family or official authorities beyond the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s confirmation of his passing. This post will be updated as further information becomes available.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Najjar family, especially Katelin, Jeremy, and all those who loved Lee. He may have lived largely out of the spotlight, but his impact — both in Atlanta’s business community and on one of reality television’s most iconic early storylines — will not be forgotten.