Atlanta real estate tycoon Lee Najjar has died at age 68. Najjar is best known as Kim Zolciak’s ex-boyfriend, “Big Poppa.”
Najjar’s daughter confirmed he died on Saturday, April 18. She shared pictures of them together in an emotional tribute on her Instagram Stories. Lee’s cause of death is unknown.
Najjar’s affair with Zolciak, 47, became a scandalous storyline on “Real Housewives of Atlanta” in 2009. He was married with children, but he squired Zolciak around Atlanta like arm candy.
Zolciak first appeared on the Bravo reality TV series on October 7, 2008. She dropped hints about a mysterious “Big Poppa” who financed her lavish lifestyle. Najjar was identified as Big Poppa in season 2 (2009).
Najjar made a surprise appearance during a 2009 taping of the Real Housewives of Atlanta Reunion show at Opera nightclub.
He kissed Zolciak on the lips before pecking each cast member on the cheek.
The Puerto Rican-born businessman showered Zolciak with gifts including a custom watch with diamond bezel worth $150,000, a Range Rover and a luxury townhouse.
Najjar’s Buckhead mansion was one of the largest private homes in Atlanta, and the site of many music industry parties.
But Najjar soon lost his fortune and his $25 million mansion to foreclosure.
By 2010, Najjar had gone back to his wife and kids, but Zolciak spread the rumor that she dumped him.
In season 3, Zolciak introduced her future husband, former NFL player Kroy Biermann. They were married in 2011 and share four children. Zolciak has 2 daughters from a previous relationship.
