Reality television fans were left in mourning this week after "Bling Empire" star Anna Shay passed away at the age of 62.
According to The Washington Times, Shay's family provided a statement to the Associated Press which explained that she died of a stroke.
"It saddens our hearts to announce that Anna Shay, a loving mother, grandmother, charismatic star, and our own brightest ray of sunshine, has passed away," the statement read.
"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," it added.
REST IN PEACE
Netflix’s Bling Empire matriarch Anna Shay died unexpectedly at the age of 62 on Monday, June 5, after suffering from a stroke. Her family confirmed this in a statement that Netflix shared with CNN. https://t.co/hVfCsqsxQu pic.twitter.com/APZGZkuou3
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) June 6, 2023
The Times noted that Shay was the daughter of Edward Shay, a wealthy American defense contractor and his half-Russian, half-Japanese wife Ai-San. She was born and raised in Japan.
Shay's father made his fortune by founding Pacific Architects and Engineers. She and her brother sold the company following his death.
The socialite was a regular fixture on "Bling Empire," a Netflix reality series which was produced by her friend Jeff Jenkins.
Tributes to Shay quickly appeared on social media, including from musician Paula Abdul. She called Shay her "friend" and "an absolute icon."
I’m shocked hearing the news of the unexpected passing of #AnnaShay. Queen of the Bling Empire and an absolute icon. RIP my friend. 🕊️🤍 pic.twitter.com/aYdldsiExq
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) June 6, 2023
Meanwhile, The New York Times recalled how Shay had "a love for cooking and cutting zingers" as well as "a sense of confidence among the gossip and drama that the reality show inspires."
Anna Shay was known on “Bling Empire” for her personal style, a love for cooking and cutting zingers. The socialite and heiress to a defense contractor exuded a sense of confidence among the gossip and drama that the reality show inspires. She died at 62. https://t.co/TJ1NThTSY5 pic.twitter.com/V1ANCBsVKI
— The New York Times (@nytimes) June 6, 2023
Ordinary fans spoke up as well, with one tweeting that Shay "had such a positive outlook and had so much love and wisdom to share."
Even though she was clearly pampered I can tell Anna-Shay experienced A lot of pain in life. Despite, and perhaps because of this, she had such a positive outlook and had so much love and wisdom to share.
Hope to be like her in the future.
RIP, Queen. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/kNqDAHQ2E3
— Attacking Keebs (@QuenchAid_) June 5, 2023
