Bling Empire’s Anna Shay Dead at 62
Kelly Mi Li is mourning her Bling Empire costar Anna Shay.
Following the 62-year-old’s passing, her co-star on the Netflix series is reflecting on her legacy.
“Honestly I am still in shock and still trying to process everything,” Kelly exclusively told E! News in a statement June 6. “I have never met anyone like Anna Shay nor will I ever. I know everyone saw that surprise Paris trip Anna took me on for my birthday but there were so many laughs and memorable conversations we shared off camera on that trip”
She continued, “I loved listening to her childhood stories and the wisdom she shared with me. I am grateful for every moment we were able to spend together and the memories we were able to make. Anna is a treasure that cannot be replaced.”
Kelly further offered words of support to Anna’s loved ones.
“I give my sincerest condolences to her son Kenny, Maria, and the rest of her family,” she added. “Anna Shay will live in our hearts forever.”
Anna’s family confirmed in a June 5 statement that the matriarch had died following a stroke. Reflecting on her life, they added in part, “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.”
And since her death, other Bling Empire cast members including Kevin Kreider have spoken about what she meant to them.
“Anna never expected anything in return and always just wanted to see people live life to their fullest,” Kevin noted in a statement to E! June 6. “I remember when we were playing celebrity jeopardy, and despite us losing, she still wanted to donate more money. She just wanted to see others win.”
He went on to reflect on one of the final times he and Anna spoke.
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“One of the last conversations we had, she was so happy I was sober and in love again, that Devon and I were back together,” he shared. “She immediately pulled the same move from celebrity jeopardy and just wanted to give us money to shoot me and Devon’s first project together.”
Kevin concluded, “I never really believed it so I never had the chance to take her up on it, but that’s the generous and loving Anna we’ll all remember.”
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