Jocelyn Wildenstein, the eccentric billionaire and socialite known for her extreme cosmetic surgeries, has died at the age of 84. Her partner, Lloyd Klein, announced the news to news agency AFP, stating that she passed away from a pulmonary embolism in Paris on Tuesday.
Wildenstein was famous for her extensive plastic surgery, which earned her the nickname “Catwoman” due to her feline-like features. She believed to have spent millions on facelifts, giving her high cheekbones and “cat-eyes” that resembled a cat’s.
Despite her numerous surgeries, Wildenstein had denied ever having plastic surgery or a surgery addiction, claiming that her features were naturally inherited from her Swiss grandmother. However, she had vowed to continue undergoing cosmetic procedures to maintain her youthful appearance.
Wildenstein’s personal life was also marked by controversy. She was married to French billionaire businessman and art dealer Alec Wildenstein from 1978 until their messy divorce in 2003. The divorce settlement set a record for the US, with Wildenstein securing a £2billion payment and £80million a year in maintenance.
After her divorce, Wildenstein met Klein at New York Fashion Week in 2003 and the couple got engaged in 2017. Klein proposed to Wildenstein with a 32-carat ring worth “millions” and required security guards when she was not wearing it.
Wildenstein’s death was met with tributes from fans and fellow celebrities, who remembered her for her unique sense of style and her unapologetic approach to her plastic surgeries. Despite her controversies, Wildenstein remained a beloved figure in the world of fashion and entertainment.
