Kim Zolciak’s ex Lee ‘Big Poppa’ Najjar from RHOA has died, reports say

ATLANTA — While he may not have been seen during the early years of “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Lee Najjar, otherwise known as Big Poppa, was definitely known to fans of the show.

The ex-boyfriend of former cast member Kim Zolciak has died at age 68, according to People.

Najjar’s daughter posted on Instagram that he had passed on Tuesday. His cause of death has yet to be released.

Zolciak and Najjar had dated in the early seasons of the show, but he was never named or seen. Zolciak just referred to him as “Big Poppa.”

He is also credited with funding her extravagant lifestyle early on in the show.

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“We were engaged. And he’s a great person,” Zolciak told People in an interview in 2008. “He’s still a part of my everyday life at this point. I don’t know what the future holds. I’m crazy about him. And he’s great to my girls.”

Kroy Biermann and Kim Zolciak home Kim Zolciak, Kroy Bierman's former Milton house listed for $4.195 million (Zillow)

$4.195 million Milton estate Recognize this house? (Armando Morales/Mario Fox/Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's)

$4.195 million Milton estate It's the former home of Kim Zolciak and Kroy Bierman. (Armando Morales/Mario Fox/Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's)

Kroy Biermann and Kim Zolciak Kim Zolciak was featured on "Real Housewives of Atlanta" and Kroy Bierman played for the Atlanta Falcons. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images)

Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann The duo married in 2011. (Photo by Danielle Del Valle/Getty Images for E3 Chophouse Nashville)

Kim Zolciak, Kroy Biermann to divorce They filed for divorce a couple of times, starting in 2023. ( Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway )

$4.195 million Milton estate The couple’s home was sold in late 2024 after it was foreclosed on. Its price had been reduced several times and the home had been scheduled for auction.. (Armando Morales/Mario Fox/Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's)

$4.195 million Milton estate Zolciak and Biermann have been going through a bitter divorce for several years. (Armando Morales/Mario Fox/Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's)

$4.195 million Milton estate The home was featured in the TV show "Don’t Be Tardy." (Armando Morales/Mario Fox/Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's)

$4.195 million Milton estate The home's new owner has listed it for sale. (Armando Morales/Mario Fox/Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's)

$4.195 million Milton estate It's listed for $4,195,000. (Armando Morales/Mario Fox/Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's)

$4.195 million Milton estate Mario Fox is the listing agent. (Armando Morales/Mario Fox/Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's)

$4.195 million Milton estate Check out MarioFox.com for more. (Armando Morales/Mario Fox/Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's)

$4.195 million Milton estate Perfectly positioned to capture sweeping views of the lake and the 18th fairway at The Manor, this gated brick-and-stone estate pairs timeless architecture with resort-level amenities and exceptional outdoor living. (Armando Morales/Mario Fox/Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's)

$4.195 million Milton estate Upon entry, you're immediately greeted by dramatic two-story ceiling heights illuminated by twin crystal chandeliers, creating a breathtaking first impression. For effortless living, the home also offers an elevator that services all floors. (Armando Morales/Mario Fox/Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's)

$4.195 million Milton estate Designed for both elevated entertaining and everyday comfort, the main level flows from an elegant dining room to a richly appointed wood-paneled study with coffered ceiling, statement lighting, a fireplace, and custom built-ins. At the center of the home, the chef's kitchen features an oversized island with seating, triple-edge countertops, custom cabinetry, and premium Sub-Zero/Wolf appliances, along with a light-filled, circular breakfast area. The kitchen opens to a striking family room where wood trusses span the soaring cathedral ceiling. (Armando Morales/Mario Fox/Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's)

$4.195 million Milton estate Check out MarioFox.com for more. (Armando Morales/Mario Fox/Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's)

$4.195 million Milton estate Here are some more photos from a Milton estate for sale. It's in The Manor subdivision. It's the former home of Kim Zolciak and Kroy Bierman. (Armando Morales/Mario Fox/Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby's)

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Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home Want to live like a Super Bowl champ? (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home Head to Roswell... (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home And you can enjoy massive bathrooms... (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home Amazing entertainment areas... (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home Plenty of home to house your shoe collection... (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home Some hoops with friends... (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home and call it a night hanging out in the pool! (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home Super Bowl champion Tyrod Taylor is selling the estate. (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home Taylor plays QB for the New York Jets. (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home Taylor played for Virginia Tech in college, was drafted by Baltimore in 2011 and won a Super Bowl while with Baltimore to conclude the 2012 season. Joe Flacco was the starter in Baltimore that year. (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home Taylor played for the Buffalo Bills where he earned an appearance in the Pro Bowl. (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home He has since played for the Browns, Chargers, Texans and Giants. (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home As for the home, this stately modern manor is quietly nestled on a cul-de-sac in an ultra-exclusive enclave of just 7 custom-built homes in the heart of Roswell. (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home Upon entering, a breathtaking two-story foyer with a sweeping stairwell draws you and is highlighted by a steel and glass-enclosed wine cellar atop stunning chevron-patterned white oak floors. (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home The estate features seven bedrooms, seven full bathrooms and three half-baths. (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home It's over 15,000 square feet. (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home The home has six fireplaces! (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home The massive chef’s kitchen features floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, a side-by-side SubZero refrigerator/freezer, an oversized pantry concealed behind hidden doors plus many other high-end details. (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home The list price is $4.9 million. (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home Matthew Doyle with Compass Sports + Entertainment division is the listing agent.. (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home Check out the listing online for more. (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell home Here are some more photos of the Roswell mansion Super Bowl champion Tyrod Taylor is selling. (Jordan Nelson/Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Tyrod Taylor selling Roswell estate (Matthew Doyle/Compass Sports + Entertainment Division)

Their relationship became controversial during the early seasons of the show over speculation that Najjar was still married.

“He is legally married, but he’s estranged from his wife,” Zolciak told People at the time. “It’s kind of like Shereé [Whitfield]. I always give this analogy. Shereé’s been going through a divorce for three years. Sometimes things take a while to move forward.”

In 2009, Zolciak said that the two had broken up, but then began dating again in 2010. They would officially end things shortly after.

Zolciak would go on to marry former Atlanta Falcons player Kroy Biermann. The two are currently going through a bitter divorce.

Najjar was a wealthy Atlanta real estate investor. He is survived by his wife Kimberly and children Katelin and Jeremy.