On Netflix’s reality series Bling Empire, socialite, philanthropist, and fashion icon Anna Shay was one of the richest cast members. Unfortunately, she suffered a stroke on Monday and died at the age of 62.

Anna had not hidden the fact that she has experienced four marriages and four divorces. Despite this, details on her husband and ex-husband are lacking, Nevertheless, Shay is known to speak favorably about her marriages. She even has a child from a previous marriage, a son named Kenny Kemp.

Also Read: Anna Shay Family: Father, Edward Shay, mother Ai-San, Brother, Allen Shay, son Kenny Kemp

However, just before she passed away, social media users started wondering whether Anna was gay. However, because she had always been associated with guys, she could not be considered to be gay. Surprisingly, according to SDLGBTN, it was later revealed that she was in fact, a transgender.

Anna Shay allegedly talked openly about her experiences as a transgender woman in an interview with the same publication. She discussed the difficulties she had to overcome both before and after coming out as transgender. She also stated that she wished to serve as an example for other transgender people as well as for everyone who is battling to be who they truly are.

Also Read: Was Anna Shay married? Bling Empire star’s personal life was shrouded in mystery

When Shay passed away, her family released a statement saying, “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. 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.”

Her Bling Empire co-star Kelly Mi Li posted a series of images on Instagram to honor her friend. “RIP @annashay93, you are truly one of a kind and we will miss you forever,” she captioned a series of pictures from over the years.

Also Read: 5 Facts to know about Anna Shay, Bling Empire star, after her death at 62

Cast member Kim Lee said in a statement to ET, “This is such a huge shock. I have so much love for Anna. I know that we had issues on the show but in real life, I had such a great connection with her outside of the show.”

Before appearing on the spin-off, Bling Empire: New York, Dorothy Wang, who participated in seasons two and three of the Netflix series, wrote a heartfelt message on her Instagram Story. “Rest in Peace, Anna,” Wang wrote over a picture of her, Shay, and Lee. “Your generosity, boldness, and fervor for life will forever be celebrated.”