Jocelyn Wildenstein, often referred to as “The Catwoman” due to her strikingly feline-like features, has passed away at the age of 84.
The Swiss-born socialite, known for her numerous cosmetic procedures, died on Tuesday in Paris from a pulmonary embolism.
She was at a Parisian palace when she passed away, as reported by Paris Match.
Wildenstein’s partner, Lloyd Klein, confirmed the sad news, expressing deep sorrow.
A Memorable Appearance Before Her Death
Just days before her death, Wildenstein was seen in Paris looking healthy.
On December 22, she was photographed smiling at onlookers, wearing a black leather coat, leggings, boots, and black sunglasses, with her blonde hair styled in soft waves.
Her passing has left many reflecting on her unique and unforgettable appearance, which included pronounced cat-like eyes and a prominent chin, features that became her trademark over the years.
From Humble Beginnings to a Billion-Dollar Divorce
Born Jocelyne Périsset, Wildenstein rose from humble beginnings to marry American-French billionaire art dealer Alec N.
Wildenstein in the 1970s. Their marriage, however, ended in a high-profile divorce in the late ’90s, which made Jocelyn one of the wealthiest women in the world.
The settlement left her with over $2 billion, plus millions annually.
Despite her newfound wealth, Wildenstein struggled to maintain it, famously spending lavishly on luxury items and cosmetic procedures.
Fascination with Africa and the Wildenstein Legacy
Wildenstein developed a deep connection with Africa, a passion that began in her childhood when she discovered a box of picture books about the continent.
She later visited the Wildenstein family’s ranch in Kenya, where she met her future husband, Alec, on a safari.
Her love for wildlife, hunting, and Africa remained a central part of her life.
She even posted a flashback photo on social media, recalling her early years at the family ranch, Ol Jogi, and the beginning of her love story with Africa.
The Transformation: Plastic Surgery and Public Scrutiny
By the 1990s, Wildenstein became unrecognizable due to a series of cosmetic surgeries.
These procedures gave her slanted cat eyes, a more pronounced chin, and exaggerated cheekbones, which sparked public fascination.
Although she initially denied having had plastic surgery, Wildenstein later admitted to undergoing some procedures but minimized their impact on her appearance.
The Downfall: Divorce, Spending, and Financial Troubles
While Wildenstein’s divorce settlement initially seemed like a windfall, she struggled financially in the years that followed.
Despite receiving billions in her divorce, including annual payments, she spent lavishly on clothing, jewelry, art, and even high phone bills.
In 2018, Wildenstein explained that a forged painting in her divorce settlement, attributed to Diego Velázquez, contributed to the loss of much of her wealth.
Personal Life: A Turbulent Relationship with Lloyd Klein
Following her divorce, Wildenstein began a relationship with fashion designer Lloyd Klein in 2003.
The couple got engaged but faced significant relationship troubles over the years.
In 2016, they were both arrested after a violent altercation at her Trump Tower apartment.
Despite the tumultuous years, they later reconciled and have remained together, spending most of their time in Miami.
Jocelyn Wildenstein’s life was one of extraordinary highs and lows, marked by immense wealth, public fascination, and personal struggles.
Her passing leaves behind a complex legacy that continues to captivate the public’s imagination.
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