Credited from: USATODAY
Jocelyn Wildenstein, the Swiss socialite famously dubbed "Catwoman" due to her extensive cosmetic surgeries, has passed away at the age of 84 on New Year's Eve in Paris. Her partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, confirmed her death to multiple outlets, including USA Today and The Daily Beast.
Klein recounted a poignant moment before her passing, noting they had been preparing for the New Year when Wildenstein decided to take a nap. He expressed his grief, stating, “It’s extremely sad to lay down with your other half that I know for 21 years and waiting to celebrate New Year’s Eve and to find her cold” (People).
The cause of her death has been attributed to pulmonary embolism stemming from phlebitis, a serious condition involving inflammation of the veins that leads to poor circulation. Klein explained, “Because of her phlebitis, the legs were very, very swollen, and the blood was blocked, and there was no oxygen in the brain” (The Daily Beast).
Before her untimely death, Wildenstein was reportedly in “impeccable health,” having recently enjoyed outings, including a stay at the Ritz in Paris just days prior to her passing. Known for her extravagant lifestyle and dramatic transformation into a high-profile personality after her divorce from art dealer Alec Wildenstein, her life story captivated many, marking her as a campy icon over the years. She boasted over 1.1 million followers on Instagram at the time of her death, symbolizing her lasting influence and public allure.