Big Brother 27 player Mickey Lee was born with a hole in her heart, she told host Julie Chen Moonves during a September appearance on her “God 101” podcast. One day after Lee’s death at age 35, Chen Moonves, 55, reflected on their discussion.
“Two months ago I interviewed Mickey Lee on ‘God 101,’” Chen Moonves wrote via Instagram on Friday, December 26. “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.”
She continued, “Last night God brought her home 🕊️ Rest In Peace dear Mickey. I will see you again on the other side in eternity. I pray the good Lord comforts and heals your family and loved ones as we grieve your passing. Amen 🙏🏼.”
Lee died on Thursday, December 25, after being hospitalized following multiple cardiac arrests. She had been battling complications from the flu and was in “critical but stable” condition, her family reported on Monday, December 22.
The family broke the news of Mickey’s death on Friday morning via her Instagram account.
“With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening,” their statement read.
Julie Chen Moonves, Mickey Lee.Getty Images (2)
“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.”
Mickey spent 59 days in the Big Brother house during the summer of 2025 and was the last player to be evicted before the jury phase began. She was best known for using her “HoH Interrogator” power to dethrone Rylie Jeffries and subsequently nominate him for eviction. She stumbled, however, when she was convinced to also nominate her ally, Jimmy Heagerty, who was ultimately evicted when Rylie, 27, won his way off the chopping block.
Mickey’s family had also launched a GoFundMe when they first revealed her illness in an effort to offset medical costs. As of Friday morning, it had raised more than $32,000.
“Many of you know Mickey Lee from Big Brother (CBS) where she became one of the most talked about houseguests on Season 27,” their statement read at the time. “A vibrant, strategic and unforgettable personality, Mickey captured the attention of fans with her energy, authenticity and bold gameplay. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, and based in Atlanta, Georgia, she brought charm and fierce competition to the Big Brother house as an event curator and creative force.”
Her fellow Big Brother 27 players began posting tributes to their fellow houseguest as the news began to spread.
“Forever my girl. Rest in power, Micks,” Jimmy, 25, wrote via his Instagram Story over a photo of the two of them having a drink together.
“Was hoping for different news regarding Mickey,” fourth-place finisher Ava Pearl added via her Instagram Story. “A genuine tragedy for anyone to pass as young as she did, wishing her friends and family peace, respect, and privacy during this time. No matter what, we lost a member of the Big Brother family and she will be missed.”
Us Weekly has reached out to CBS for comment.
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Cape Town welcomes 2026 on a high note – January is peak summer, and the city comes alive with an unbeatable mix of concerts, festivals, sport, culture and outdoor experiences. From iconic events like the Cape Town Minstrels Street Parade and the King’s Plate to international music tours, open-air theatre and cricket at Newlands.
Cats, the Musical
2-11 January 2026 Artscape Theatre, Cape Town
Pieter Toerien and GWB Entertainment in association with Cape Town Opera by arrangement with The Really Useful Group presents CATS. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s world-famous musical Cats brings iconic songs, choreography and theatrical magic to the Artscape stage. Tickets from R180 on Webtickets.
WAV Festival by AfroNation
2 January 2026 Green Point Track, Cape Town
A festival R&B lovers cannot miss! Amapiano’s Kelvin Momo brings his deep, emotional sound to the festival, while Shekinah’s golden voice is set to light up the stage. The lineup also includes Mariah the Scientist, Wale, Langa Mavuso, and Kujenga. Cape Town, get ready for a high-energy stadium showcase featuring the best in R&B. Find ticket information here.
Milk & Cookies Festival
3 January 2026 Kenilworth Racecourse, Cape Town
This multi-genre festival celebrates music, food, and community. From amapiano to R&B, house to hip-hop, Milk and Cookies blends global sounds with local culture for one unforgettable celebration. Vibrant stages, curated food vendors, immersive art installations, and the kind of energy that turns a crowd into a community – it’s a gathering where culture, connection, and creativity meet. For tickets go to Howler’s website and for more information visit the official page here.
Step into the New Year with Blanche; an All-white outdoor celebration, curated by AfroFuture and PVO. This signature experience blends live music, an unmatched atmosphere, and the most vibrant crowd. Presented by Martell, set against Cape Town’s stunning backdrop. Click here for ticket information.
Freshlyground Reunion Concert
4, 11, 18 January 2026 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Freshlyground reunites for a special open-air concert at Kirstenbosch, delivering feel-good hits in one of Cape Town’s most popular outdoor venues. Find more information and ticket information.
Cape Town Minstrels Street Parade
5 January 2026 Somerset Road & Fan Walk, Green Point
The iconic Cape Town Minstrel Carnival returns to the Mother City on 5 January 2026. The annual event fills the streets with colour, music and tradition, continuing into DHL Stadium for the Kaapse Klopse Choral Competition. Tap here for the latest event information.
St Tropez presents: Uncle Waffles – The ultimate day time escape
5 January 2026 Cabo Beach Club, Cape Town
Turn on the glitz and glamour at this epic Cabo Beach experience. Headlined by global sensation Uncle Waffles, expect nothing less than an unforgettable day of pulsating beats, high-energy performances, and pure sophistication. The event promises world-class local DJs spinning infectious sounds that keep the energy flowing from noon until sunset. Get your tickets now.
MI Cape Town vs Joburg Super Kings
6 January 2026 Newlands Cricket Grounds
Catch SA20 cricket action as MI Cape Town face the Joburg Super Kings at the historic Newlands Cricket Ground. For ticket info, email info@ticketpro.co.za or visit the website here.
Cape Town Jazzathon
9-11 January 2026 Amphitheatre, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Celebrating its 29th anniversary this year, the Cape Town Jazzathon is South Africa’s longest-running music festival. Often referred to as “The People’s Festival,” the event will feature performances daily, from 12.30pm to 8pm. Enjoy a rich variety of styles including Afro Jazz, Cape Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Neo Soul, and Straight Ahead packed into three days of non-stop entertainment… and its free!!! Learn more.
L’Ormarins King’s Plate
10 January 2026 Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse
The Running of the 165th King’s Plate – the L’Ormarins King’s Plate is one of South Africa’s most prestigious horse racing events, combining elite racing, high fashion and a vibrant atmosphere. The King’s Plate is a totally blue and white affair where guests can enjoy some of the country’s best racing, wine, food, antique car displays and renowned after party in the peak of Cape Town’s summer. Tickets start from R600. For more information visit here.
Maynardville Open-Air Festival
From 13 January 2026 Maynardville Park, Wynberg
Cape Town’s premier open-air theatre experience returns, featuring live performances in a magical forest setting. Opening on 13 January, the Shades of Blue Chamber Concert will feature music from composers influenced by the rhythms and harmonies of jazz. Next up is Jazz in the Park (14 to 15 Jan), a new two-day celebration featuring local jazz legends from Cape Town’s rich jazz tradition. From 16 to 17 January, another crowd-favourite Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra returns with a stirring classical programme. See the full festival programme.
Calum Scott – The Avenoir Tour
14 January 2026 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
International singer-songwriter Calum Scott performs live at Kirstenbosch as part of his global Avenoir Tour. Gates open at 6pm. Concert starts 7pm. For more information, go to Big Concert’s website.
Sheer City Festival
17-18 January 2026 Harrington Street Precinct
Sheer City is launching its inaugural two-day inner-city festival bringing together Cape Town’s most influential underground nightlife crews with international acts like Horse Meat Disco, Tama Sumo & Lakuti, Make A Dance, Freudenthal, and more. It’s a multi-venue, walkable block party across Harrington Street and the City Bowl fringe, a celebration of Cape Town’s creative pulse, queer culture, music, fashion, performance, and community. Expect six venues, over twenty artists, a full weekend immersion in the city’s next cultural moment.
Sheer Drop at Texas – 2pm to 10pm Sheer Delight at The Electric – 5pm to 2am Sheer Disco at Harringtons – 6pm to 4am Sheer D.O.G at Zer021 Social – 8pm to 4am Sheer Assembly at District – 8pm to 4am Sheer Dive at Surfa Rosa – 9pm to 4am
Long, lazy afternoons, cool beats and Cape Town’s most iconic views. Summer at Durbanville Hills is super chilled, and with it, the popular cellar’s much-loved Sundaze Summer Series. DJ Stefanos will be spinning tracks from 2pm to 6pm while you enjoy crisp wines, cocktails, craft beer, wine slushies, and a mouth-watering selection of eats from the Olive Grove Bistro. Set against panoramic vistas of Table Bay and Table Mountain, Sundaze is the perfect way to vibe with friends and family. Tickets cost R100pp and available via Webtickets.
Shxtsngigs: Daddy’s Home – South Africa Tour
27 January 2026 Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
The viral podcast duo James and Fuhad bring their Daddy’s Home live show to Cape Town, blending comedy, culture and crowd interaction. Whether you’re a die-hard Cult Baby or just discovering the podcast that’s racked up millions of streams and laughs worldwide, this live experience is your chance to see the boys like never before – live, loud, and uncut. Tickets from R440 via Ticketmaster.
DHL Stormers vs Vodacom Blue Bulls
27 January 2026 DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Get ready for a major rugby showdown as the DHL Stormers face the Vodacom Blue Bulls in one of the season’s most anticipated fixtures. Cape Town is set to bring the gees – get your tickets today on the Stormer’s website.
World Sports Betting Cape Town Met
31 January 2026 Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse
Prepare for the grand return of the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met, where the thrill of elite horse racing converges with a multisensory celebration unlike any other. The 2026 theme Symphony of Style combines fashion, music, and immersive moments. Book your tickets via Computicket.
We’re embracing the festive spirit this summer, and from 4 to 19 December 2025, you can win some of the best experiences in Cape Town.
Win a R5000 V&A Waterfront gift voucher, R3000 dining voucher at Coy Restaurant, and one-night stay for 2 people at the Radisson RED Hotel valued at R2750.
The V&A Waterfront is one of Africa’s most visited destinations. Set in South Africa’s oldest working harbour, with the majestic Table Mountain as its backdrop, this iconic destination is a firm favourite among locals and international travellers.
Start your adventure with a R5000 shopping spree, giving you access to hundreds of stores, restaurants and attractions across this world-class neighbourhood.
Then tuck into a fine-dining feast at Coy Restaurant, overlooking spectacular Table Mountain views. Then unwind with a one-night stay for two at the Radisson RED Hotel in the heart of the Silo District.
The competition ends on 19 December 2025, at 23:59 pm SAST. The winner will be announced on Monday, 22 December, at 9am.
The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
Gift vouchers cannot be redeemed for cash.
The hotel stay prize at Radisson RED Hotel can be redeemed between May 2026 and September 2026. The stay is subject to availability and is not valid over block out dates.
The hotel stay is for two guests in a Mountain View room with breakfast.
In addition to the above, please view our T’s and C’s here.
We’re embracing the festive spirit this summer, and from 4 to 19 December 2025, you can win some of the best experiences in Cape Town.
Day8: Win a 4-night midweek stay for two people at the Riverview Hout Bay luxury self-catering apartment, valued at R6600, courtesy of DK Villas.
Spend four nights at DK Villa’s Riverview, a one-bedroom apartment conveniently located a stone’s throw from the beach and a short drive from Hout Bay’s best shopping, restaurants, and attractions. Ideal for two guests, amenities include an open-plan lounge and kitchen, a fully equipped kitchen with top-of-the-range SMEG appliances, including a kettle, coffee machine, toaster, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi.
To enter, complete and submit the online entry form below.
The competition ends on 15 December 2025, at 23:59 pm SAST. The winner will be announced the next day, at 9am.
Terms and Conditions:
The prize is valid until 31 December 2026, and is not redeemable for cash.
The self-catering accommodation is subject to availability. Cleaning services are not included during your stay.
The prize is only valid from Monday to Friday, excluding any long weekends, Public Holidays, and Western Cape school holidays. High Season of December 2025, January 2026, February 2026, March 2026 and 15-31 December 2026 are also excluded.
There is a R2000 refundable breakage deposit, which is not part of the prize.
No parties or functions are permitted.
In addition to the above, please view our T’s and C’s here.
We’re embracing the festive spirit this summer, and from 4 to 19 December 2025, you can win some of the best experiences in Cape Town.
Day 4: Win a shark cage diving and viewing encounter for 2 people to the value of R6710, courtesy of Marine Dynamics.
Marine Dynamics, an award-winning ecotourism and marine company, offers captivating shark cage diving experiences and marine Big 5 tours, all while remaining committed to preserving the marine environment and providing unforgettable marine experiences.
You and a loved one can come face-to-face with the ocean’s apex predators on a thrilling shark cage diving experience in Gansbaai, located around 2 and a half hours from Cape Town.
The competition ends on 9 December 2025, at 23:59 pm SAST. The winner will be announced the next day, at 9am.
To enter, complete and submit the online entry form below.
Terms and Conditions:
This prize is not transferable and may not be sold, exchanged for cash, or used as part of any commercial promotion.
The prize is valid for two people for a Shark Cage Diving experience with Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai.
Transport to and from Gansbaai is not included in this prize.
A conservation fee applies per person and must be paid on the day of the tour.
Bookings are essential and subject to availability. The exact meeting/pick-up time can only be confirmed the day before the trip.
The prize is weather-dependent. In the event that the trip is cancelled due to weather, it will be rescheduled within the voucher’s validity period.
The voucher is valid until 30 November 2026.
The prize cannot be redeemed by unaccompanied minors. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Should the guest choose not to enter the cage, no alternative or compensation will be provided.
Find Marine Dynamics standard terms and conditions and safety protocols here.
In addition to the above, please view our T’s and C’s here.
We’re embracing the festive spirit this summer, and from 4 to 19 December 2025, you can win some of the best experiences in Cape Town.
Day 4: Win a shark cage diving experience for 2 valued at R7500, courtesy of Shark Explorers.
Get up close and personal with South Africa’s most iconic ocean predators with Shark Explorers. Located in Simon’s Town, enjoy an unforgettable, safe, and educational shark cage diving experience for the whole family (ages 5 and up).
As an internationally recognised, award-winning operator, Shark Explorers is dedicated to ocean adventure, conservation, and showcasing South Africa’s incredible marine biodiversity.
The competition ends on 9 December 2025, at 23:59 pm SAST. The winner will be announced the next day, at 9am.
To enter, complete and submit the online entry form below.
Terms and Conditions:
The prize is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, and is subject to availability and weather conditions.
The voucher is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
Standard Shark Explorers trip policies apply.
The winner will be required to sign the Shark Explorers indemnity form on the day of the trip.
Transport to and from Simon’s Town is not included in this prize.
In addition to the above, please view our T’s and C’s here.
