CBS's Big Brother opened its Season 28 premiere with an on-screen tribute to former houseguest Mickey Lee, who died late last year at the age of 35. Immediately before the new series introduced its incoming contestants, an "In loving memory" title card honouring Lee appeared, marking her passing for viewers as the competition returned.

Lee died on Christmas night following a series of cardiac arrests, according to a statement posted to Instagram by her family, who praised her "authenticity, strength and spirit" and the connections she formed on and off screen. Born on 31 March 1990 in Jacksonville, Florida, Lee had appeared on Big Brother Season 27, where she was voted out by her fellow housemates during the eighth week. Her family also thanked fans for the prayers, love and support offered during what they described as an incredibly difficult time.