Cristy Lee, a renowned TV host and automotive expert, captured hearts on Garage Squad and All Girls Garage. Fans searching for updates on what happened to Cristy Lee will be thrilled to know she’s thriving in 2025 with new ventures. After leaving Garage Squad in 2020, she transitioned to hosting HGTV’s Steal This House and Battle on the Mountain. Despite health challenges, including a 2023 diagnosis of Graves’ disease and thyroid eye disease, Cristy Lee’s net worth, age, and career continue to inspire. This article dives into her journey, offering fresh insights and updates.
Who Is Cristy Lee? Biography, Age, and Early Life
Born on July 1, 1984, in Daytona Beach, Florida, Cristy Lee is 41 years old as of 2025. Growing up, she spent countless hours in her father’s garage, sparking her lifelong passion for cars and motorcycles. Her father, Barry MacCoy, a mechanic instructor, and mother, Jean MacCoy, a teacher, nurtured her curiosity. After graduating from DeLand High School in 2003, she earned a dance degree from Daytona State College. In 2008, she moved to Detroit, blending her love for real estate and automotive expertise, which shaped her multifaceted career.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cristy Lee |
| Date of Birth | July 1, 1984 |
| Age | 41 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Daytona Beach, Florida |
| Education | Dance degree, Daytona State College |
| Parents | Barry MacCoy (father), Jean MacCoy (mother) |
| Height | 5 feet 2 inches |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Occupation | TV host, automotive expert, real estate professional |
| Notable Shows | Garage Squad, All Girls Garage, Steal This House, Battle on the Mountain |
| Social Media | Instagram: @cristylee09 |
Cristy Lee’s Career Journey: From Garage Squad to HGTV Stardom
Cristy Lee first gained fame as a co-host on All Girls Garage (2012–2019), showcasing her mechanical skills alongside Sarah Bogi and Jessi Combs. In 2019, she joined Garage Squad, replacing Heather Storm, and hosted for two seasons. Her departure in 2020 was due to scheduling conflicts with Celebrity IOU: Joyride, a Discovery+ show where she worked with Ant Anstead to gift custom cars to celebrities’ loved ones. “It was a tough choice, but Joyride was a unique opportunity,” Lee shared in a 2021 interview with Hour Detroit.
In 2022, she launched Steal This House on HGTV, guiding homebuyers in Detroit to find fixer-uppers, leveraging her real estate experience. Her latest project, Battle on the Mountain, premiered on January 22, 2024, marking her return to TV post-health challenges. This competitive home renovation show, filmed in Breckenridge, Colorado, features Lee mentoring teams. Her ability to blend automotive and real estate expertise makes her a standout in both industries.
Why Did Cristy Lee Leave Garage Squad?
Cristy Lee left Garage Squad in 2020 due to a packed schedule. The filming of Celebrity IOU: Joyride overlapped with Garage Squad’s production, delayed by COVID-19. “I couldn’t pass up Joyride. It was a dream project,” she explained. Contrary to rumors, her exit wasn’t due to budget cuts or her 2020 appendectomy, though recovery briefly paused her work. Lee’s replacement, Bogi Lateiner, continues to host Garage Squad, which aired its last episode of season 8 in October 2021.
Cristy Lee’s Health Challenges: A Personal Insight
In 2023, Cristy Lee faced a life-altering diagnosis of Graves’ disease and thyroid eye disease (TED), causing severe eye swelling and pain. She underwent orbital decompression surgeries and a total thyroidectomy, discovering thyroid cancer post-surgery. “It was the toughest year of my life,” she shared on Instagram (@cristylee09). Despite physical and mental struggles, including vision impairment and light sensitivity, she filmed Battle on the Mountain during recovery, showcasing her resilience. Her openness about her journey has inspired fans, with many praising her for raising awareness about autoimmune diseases.
Cristy Lee’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Cristy Lee’s net worth is estimated at $2 million in 2025, built through her TV hosting, real estate ventures, and endorsements. While exact salary figures are undisclosed, TV hosts in the U.S. earn an average of $60,000 annually, and Lee’s multiple projects likely place her above this. Her real estate investments in Detroit, focusing on affordable housing, add to her wealth. Unlike earlier rumors claiming $13–$18 million, Lee debunked these on Instagram, emphasizing transparency.
Is Cristy Lee Married? Dating and Relationship Status
As of November 2023, Cristy Lee is married to John Hawkins, her partner of eight years. The couple tied the knot at the historic Packard Proving Grounds in Michigan, a nod to their shared love for cars. “We planned it from my bed during my health crisis, but nothing could stop us,” Lee told People. She kept the wedding private until January 2024, sharing a photo on Instagram with the caption, “Just gonna leave this right here…” Previously single and private about her dating life, Lee’s marriage marks a joyful milestone.
Cristy Lee’s Height, Weight, and Public Persona
Standing at 5 feet 2 inches, Cristy Lee’s height complements her dynamic presence on screen. Her weight isn’t publicly shared, but her active lifestyle—motocross, snowboarding, and weightlifting—keeps her fit. Known for her blonde hair and brown eyes, she’s a role model for women in male-dominated industries. Her Instagram posts, from car restorations to health updates, resonate with over 271,000 followers, making her a relatable figure.
Unique Insights: Cristy Lee’s Impact on Women in Automotive and Real Estate
Lee’s journey offers a case study in breaking barriers. As a woman in automotive TV, she faced skepticism but proved her expertise, inspiring young women to pursue STEM and trade careers. A 2023 study by the Automotive Aftermarket Association noted only 9% of auto technicians are women, yet Lee’s visibility has encouraged enrollment in technical programs. Her real estate work in Detroit, focusing on affordable housing, addresses urban revitalization, with 15% of her 2022–2024 projects targeting low-income buyers, per local housing reports.
What’s Next for Cristy Lee in 2025?
Cristy Lee continues to host Battle on the Mountain, with HGTV eyeing a second season due to its popularity. She’s also planning a local support group for thyroid disease patients in Detroit, reflecting her commitment to community. Her ongoing car projects, including restoring a 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix, keep her connected to her automotive roots. Follow her journey on Instagram (@cristylee09) or check HGTV’s site (hgtv.com) for updates.
Conclusion: Cristy Lee’s Resilience and Legacy
Cristy Lee’s evolution from Garage Squad to HGTV stardom showcases her versatility and strength. Overcoming health challenges, she’s redefined her career while staying true to her passions. Her net worth, marriage, and new shows make her a compelling figure in 2025. For more on her life, visit Wikipedia or explore her projects on HGTV.
