Jocelyn Wildenstein, a renowned socialite and icon of eccentricity, has tragically passed away at the age of 84. She was famously dubbed “Catwoman” due to her distinctive facial features, which many attributed to her extensive history of cosmetic enhancements. Known for her unapologetically flamboyant lifestyle and bold personal choices, Wildenstein left an indelible mark on both the worlds of high society and popular culture.
Wildenstein became a household name, not only for her feline-inspired appearance but also for her extravagant expenditures on cosmetic procedures. It was reported that she spent staggering sums of money—millions, according to some accounts—on surgeries designed to achieve her signature high cheekbones and “cat-like” eyes. However, in a twist of irony, she consistently denied having undergone plastic surgery. In interviews, she claimed her dramatic looks were natural, citing her prominent cheekbones as a hereditary trait. Despite her denial, her unique appearance became a subject of fascination, speculation, and sometimes ridicule.
Her death was confirmed by her fiancé, Lloyd Klein, a French couturier who had been by her side for over two decades. In a heartfelt statement shared with AFP, Klein said, “Her partner Lloyd Klein is saddened to announce the death of Jocelyn Wildenstein in Paris.” The statement underscored the deep connection they shared, a bond that endured years of public scrutiny and media attention.
Wildenstein’s private life was as colorful as her public persona. Born Jocelyne Périsset, she entered the global spotlight through her marriage to French billionaire businessman and art dealer Alec Wildenstein. The pair tied the knot in a lavish Las Vegas ceremony in 1978. However, their union was far from idyllic. The marriage, which lasted 21 years, ended in a highly publicized divorce in 1999 after Jocelyn discovered Alec in the company of a model at their shared New York residence. The confrontation escalated dramatically, with Alec reportedly threatening her with a firearm, leading to his brief arrest. Their divorce proceedings set financial records in the United States, with Jocelyn receiving an astonishing settlement of approximately £2 billion, along with £80 million annually in maintenance payments.
After her divorce, Jocelyn began a new chapter with Lloyd Klein, whom she met during New York Fashion Week in 2003. Their relationship, marked by grand romantic gestures and a shared love of opulence, culminated in an engagement in 2017. Klein proposed with a dazzling 32-carat diamond ring, reportedly worth millions, cementing their status as one of high society’s most talked-about couples. Throughout their time together, Klein remained a steadfast supporter of Jocelyn, defending her against critics and celebrating her individuality.
In her later years, Jocelyn continued to challenge public perceptions about her appearance. In 2023, she shared a rare teenage photograph of herself, claiming it as evidence of her natural beauty. She also accused detractors of manipulating images of her to exaggerate her physical transformations. Despite admitting to using Botox on two occasions, she maintained that she had not undergone the extensive surgeries attributed to her. “I haven’t had plastic surgery. I am scared of what can happen,” she stated in an interview, expressing disdain for overly invasive procedures.
The circumstances of Jocelyn’s death were no less dramatic than her life. Reports indicate that she succumbed to a pulmonary embolism (PE) in Paris. This serious medical condition occurs when a blood clot obstructs an artery in the lungs, often causing chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood. Wildenstein reportedly passed away while staying at a Parisian palace, a fittingly opulent setting for someone who lived her life in the lap of luxury.
In the days leading up to her death, Jocelyn was last seen in public with Klein on December 18 in Paris. Witnesses recalled her characteristic elegance, as she smiled at onlookers while donning a fur jacket, leggings, and boots. Her final appearance was a testament to her enduring flair for fashion and her ability to captivate an audience, even in her later years.