Jocelyne Wildenstein, the Swiss-born socialite famously nicknamed “Catwoman” due to her dramatic cosmetic surgeries, passed away at the age of 79 on December 31, 2024. Her partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement.
“It is with heavy heart and with great sadness that I announce the unexpected death of my beloved fiancé and longtime companion Jocelyne Wildenstein,” Klein wrote. “Mrs. Wildenstein died peacefully in her sleep in the late afternoon in our suite in Paris, where we had been staying since August of 2024.”
Klein recounted the final moments, explaining that he tried to wake Wildenstein from a nap as they prepared for a New Year’s Eve dinner, but she was unresponsive. Klein added that according to reports confirmed by the doctors called to the scene, she had undergone heart failure and had peacefully passed in her sleep.
The couple had been residing temporarily in Paris and had plans to celebrate the arrival of the new year.
Born Jocelyne Perisset in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1945, Wildenstein rose to prominence after marrying Alec Wildenstein, an art dealer from a wealthy family. Together, they had two children and led a life of opulence and high society until their high-profile and contentious divorce in the late 1990s.
The divorce became notorious for its record-breaking settlement, with Jocelyne reportedly receiving $2.5 billion, making it one of the most expensive divorces in history. Despite the acrimony of their split, Jocelyne retained her ex-husband’s surname and continued to live in the public eye.
Wildenstein became a tabloid sensation due to her extensive cosmetic surgeries, that transformed her face into a feline-like appearance. This earned her the nickname “Catwoman,” a title she later embraced with a mix of humor and defiance.
With over a million followers on Instagram, she cultivated an image of glamour and eccentricity, often engaging with fans and sharing glimpses of her life. In a recent interview with French television channel C8, she addressed speculation about her surgeries, denying she ever wanted to change her face dramatically, stating “I might have wanted my lips to be a little thicker, but I never wanted to change my face.”
She also dismissed rumors that her surgeries were an attempt to hold on to her ex-husband.
Wildenstein and Klein had met in 2001 during New York Fashion Week, where she attended one of his runway shows as a front-row guest. Their romantic relationship began soon after and lasted for over two decades.
“She was my best friend, my partner, and my fiancé,” Klein shared in his statement. “Jocelyne had a zest for life and a wicked sense of humor. She was truly one of a kind.”
Despite their significant age difference—Klein is 21 years younger than Wildenstein—the couple maintained a close and enduring bond. Jocelyne’s last Instagram post, shared on December 23, 2024, featured the pair posing for photographers outside the Ritz Paris, accompanied by the song “Last Christmas” by Wham.
Throughout her life, Jocelyne Wildenstein remained a figure of fascination, often polarizing public opinion. While some admired her bold choices and unapologetic embrace of cosmetic surgery, others criticized her transformation. Regardless, her larger-than-life persona ensured she stayed relevant in the ever-changing world of celebrity culture.
Her legacy is tied not only to her unique appearance but also to her ability to navigate a life filled with wealth, fame, and scrutiny. In recent years, she divided her time between New York and Miami, frequently engaging with the media to set the record straight about her life and choices.
As the news of her passing spreads, tributes have poured in from fans and friends who admired her flamboyant style and unapologetic approach to life. Klein’s heartfelt words offer a glimpse into the personal side of a woman who, despite her public persona, was deeply loved by those closest to her.
Wildenstein leaves behind a legacy of resilience, eccentricity, and an enduring love story that captivated many. She will be remembered not just as “Catwoman” but as a woman who embraced the extraordinary in every aspect of her life.
