'Bling Empires' star Anna Shay passes unexpectedly at 62

Anna Shay, the beloved matriarch of the hit show Bling Empire, has passed away at the age of 62.

"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," her family expressed. 

"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.”

The enigmatic Shay made a captivating entrance into the reality TV scene with her appearance on the inaugural season of Netflix's Bling Empire in 2021.  

Describing Shay's background, cast member Kane Lim stated in a confessional during season 1, "Anna Shay is half-Japanese and half-Russian and super, super wealthy." This statement only added to the intrigue surrounding Shay's affluent lifestyle.

However, Shay herself refuted the claim made by Lim regarding the source of her wealth. 

Recounting her conversation with Lim, Shay revealed to PEOPLE, "I asked him, Why did you say my dad was in arms?" She continued, "He goes, I don't know. 

He thought he knew, but maybe he didn't know and was just guessing."

The mystery surrounding Anna Shay's wealth continues to pique the curiosity of  viewers. 

In the same interview, she shared, "I wasn't even expecting to be in front of the camera. 

I'm very shy, and I went along with whatever situation was happening. I was just being me."