Yahoo Sports Bling Empire star Anna Shay's family pays tribute following death
Bling Empire star Anna Shay has died aged 62 from a stroke, her family have confirmed.
Shay's family shared a statement with Variety on June 5, announcing her passing and paying tribute to the reality star, who appeared in all three seasons of the Netflix show.
"It saddens our hearts to announce that Anna Shay, a loving mother, grandmother, charismatic star, and our brightest ray of sunshine, has passed away at the early age of 62 from a stroke," the statement reads.
"Anna taught us many life lessons on how not to take life too seriously and to enjoy the finer things. Her impact on our lives will be forever missed but never forgotten."
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The socialite was a popular figure with Bling Empire fans, known for her blunt way with words and outrageously glamorous wardrobe.
Kim Lee was one of many co-stars to pay tribute to Shay in wake of her passing. The DJ and TV personality shared a clip of her and Shay laughing together on the show, alongside a heartfelt caption remembering the star.
"I can’t believe I’m writing this right now. Anna, we’re going to miss you. I’m glad we got to cross paths. I cried and laughed with you and shared so much memories with you on screen," Lee wrote.
"I loved your realness and humor and one thing u taught all of us is not to take life too serious. Anna Shay we love you Queen!! You will forever be missed."
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Fellow co-star Kelly Mi Li also posted a tribute on her Instagram account, sharing a selection of photos of the two together. "RIP @annashay93 you were truly one of a kind and we will miss you forever," Li wrote, with three broken heart emojis.
Bling Empire's Kevin Kreider was another to share his reaction to the sad news of Shay's passing online. "You never know when your last goodbye will be," read his Instagram caption, posted alongside a clip of the two from the show.
"So unexpected and wished when I saw you last for lunch I would have taken a moment to smell the roses and had one last adventure with you."
Shay was born and raised in Japan to US entrepreneur Edward Shay and Japanese-Russian mother Ai Oizumi Shay. In Bling Empire, viewers learnt that her wealth derived from her father's business, global defence contractor Pacific Architects, which Shay and her brother Allen inherited after their father's death in 1995.
They went on to sell the company in 2006. Shay is survived by son Kenny Kemp.
As for the future of Bling Empire, Netflix confirmed in April this year that the series had been cancelled after three seasons. Spin-off Bling Empire: New York will also not return after one season.
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