Coco Lee (left) and Michelle Yeoh. Photo: Michelle Yeoh/Instagram
Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh joins the growing list of celebrities who have taken to social media to pay tribute to Coco Lee who died on Wednesday.
"I am deeply saddened that we have lost a bright star. Coco was the first Chinese to perform at the Oscars... we were so proud and always will be. You and your beautiful voice will be missed. RIP my dear... Heartfelt condolences to Coco's family and all who love you, " the Ipoh-born actress wrote on Instagram.
Yeoh, 60, posted two photos – one with herself and Lee and the other together with Lee and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon director Ang Lee.
Coco Lee sang the theme song A Love Before Time from the iconic wuxia film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which received a Best Original Song Oscar nomination.
Lee was invited to perform at the Oscars in 2001, becoming the first Chinese to do so.
Another celebrity who expressed shock at Lee's death is Hong Kong star G.E.M who collaborated with the late singer a few times on Chinese variety shows.
"Omg... I can't believe it... You've been such a sweet and loving sister. You've been such a brave and strong woman.
"I can't imagine how much you've been through. Can't imagine how much pain was behind your smile. Lost all my words. I'll miss you sis, @cocolee. Rest in peace," she wrote.
Hong Kong singer Sammi Cheng also paid tribute to Lee with photos of them from the latter's 2019 concert.
"It is difficult to accept this news... I wanted to write something, but I didn't know how to express it... I still feel sad.
"I keep thinking about our collaboration (back in the day). We were all in our prime, working together for our dreams, practicing dance routines together and attending various TV station promotions.
"Then in 2019, you were a guest at my concert. I remember it had been a long time since we last saw each other, and we hugged each other. On stage, we sang a duet version of, The Saddest Person," Cheng wrote. "I thank you for giving me that beautiful memory."