Jocelyn Wildenstein, the iconic socialite known for her dramatic facial transformations, has died at the age of 84.
The Swiss-born socialite, who became famous for her pursuit of a cat-like appearance through numerous cosmetic surgeries, passed away on Tuesday from a pulmonary embolism.
She was in a Parisian palace at the time of her death, according to reports by Paris Match.
A Final Goodbye in Paris
Jocelyn’s partner, Lloyd Klein, expressed his sadness over her passing, sharing the news with fans and media outlets.
The last time she was seen in public was on December 22, in Paris.
At the time, Jocelyn appeared healthy, smiling at onlookers as she strolled in a black leather coat, leggings, and boots, her blonde hair styled in soft waves over her shoulders.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Fame
Born Jocelyne Périsset, Jocelyn Wildenstein’s rise to fame came after she married billionaire art dealer Alec N. Wildenstein in the 1970s.
The couple gained media attention not only for their lavish lifestyle but also for their highly publicized divorce, which resulted in Jocelyn receiving one of the largest divorce settlements in history—reportedly over $2 billion, with millions more in annual payments.
Despite her initial wealth, Wildenstein’s extravagant lifestyle and years of cosmetic procedures led to the gradual loss of her fortune.
A Life Surrounded by Art and Wildlife
Jocelyn’s fascination with Africa began in her childhood when she discovered a collection of picture books about the continent.
This interest in wildlife led her to the Wildenstein family’s ranch, Ol Jogi, in Kenya, where she would later meet Alec.
Their shared love of the African landscape and wildlife played a significant role in their lives.
Jocelyn often reminisced about her early years on the ranch, describing her first love for Africa and the memories created there.
Transformation and Public Scrutiny
By the 1990s, Jocelyn’s appearance had undergone significant changes due to various cosmetic surgeries, leading to her infamous “cat-like” look.
Despite these visible alterations, she at one point denied having had any plastic surgery, though later she acknowledged undergoing some procedures, while downplaying their impact on her appearance.
The Divorce, Financial Losses, and Personal Struggles
After years of extravagant spending and altering her appearance, Jocelyn’s marriage ended in 1999 when Alec filed for divorce.
The settlement was enormous, leaving Jocelyn with $2.5 billion and an annual payment of $100 million.
However, over the years, much of her wealth disappeared due to poor investments and extravagant purchases.
In 2018, she claimed a forgery in her divorce settlement’s artwork collection led to the loss of significant funds.
Romantic and Legal Struggles with Lloyd Klein
In 2003, Jocelyn began a relationship with fashion designer Lloyd Klein.
Their relationship was tumultuous, marked by public legal battles and arrests, including a 2016 incident in which Jocelyn was arrested for slashing Klein’s face with scissors.
Despite the rocky history, the couple reunited and spent much of their time in Miami.
Remembering Jocelyn Wildenstein
Though her life was filled with public scrutiny and controversy, Jocelyn Wildenstein remains a fascinating figure known for her unrelenting pursuit of beauty and wealth.
Her death marks the end of a chapter for the socialite whose life was as colorful and dramatic as the art world she was part of.