Born in Hong Kong, Lee's journey took her to the United States in her early years where she found fame through her English and Mandarin albums. Notably, she was the voice behind the lead character in the Mandarin rendition of Disney's popular film, Mulan, and performed a song for the globally recognized film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon at the Oscars in 2001.
A heartfelt message from her sisters revealed that Lee had been combating depression for several years and had been in a coma following a suicide attempt.
Lee stormed the Mandopop music scene with her two Mandarin albums in 1994. This was swiftly followed by an English album and a third Mandarin one in the subsequent year.
Her sisters reminisced, "Over the past 29 years, not only has she filled our lives with happiness through her music and dance, but she also tirelessly strived to carve a space for Chinese artists on the international stage, always shining brightly for China."
Additionally, Lee performed the Mandarin rendition of Mulan's theme song, Reflection, and her track Before I Fall in Love was featured in the 1999 Hollywood hit Runaway Bride, featuring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
Her wide array of performances included a Michael Jackson & Friends benefit concert in South Korea in 1999, and she served as a judge on high-profile talent shows like Chinese Idol.
Lee had hinted at facing significant life challenges in her New Year's Eve post on Instagram, labelling 2022 as an "extraordinarily tough year".
Her latest release, a single titled Tragic, was introduced on Valentine's Day this year.
In recent posts, Lee revealed that she had to undergo pelvic and thigh surgery due to an aggravated leg injury incurred during a dance rehearsal last year.
Lee was married to Bruce Rockowitz, the ex-CEO of Hong Kong's supply chain powerhouse Li & Fung, in 2011 and became a stepmother to his two daughters. While rumors about their separation have been circulating for about three years, Lee refrained from commenting on the matter.
Remembering her, Lee's sisters shared, "Beyond the memories of Coco, we hope you'll carry her signature radiant smile, sincerity, and kindness forward, and continue to spread the love and joy that Coco wished for those around her."