Jocelyne Wildenstein, ‘Catwoman’ Socialite Known for Extreme Cosmetic Surgery, D!es at 84

Jocelyne Wildenstein, the Swiss socialite who became famous for her dramatic, feline-inspired appearance due to extensive cosmetic surgery, has passed away at the age of 84.

Wildenstein, often dubbed “Catwoman” by the media, died peacefully in her sleep on December 31, 2024, in her Parisian suite.

Her partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, confirmed the news with a statement expressing deep sorrow.

“It is with heavy heart and with great sadness that Mr. Lloyd Klein announces the unexpected death of his beloved fiancée and longtime companion, Jocelyne Wildenstein,” Klein said in an official statement.

Born Jocelyne Périsset in Lausanne, Switzerland, on August 7, 1940, Wildenstein gained worldwide attention after marrying billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein in 1978.

The couple, who had two children, Diane and Alec Jr., became a fixture in the public eye.

However, their marriage ended in a highly publicized divorce in 1999, with a settlement amounting to $2.5 billion, making it one of the largest divorce settlements in history.

Wildenstein’s most notable feature was her striking, feline-like look, the result of numerous cosmetic surgeries.

While many speculated the surgeries were to please her then-husband, Alec, who she claimed “hates to be with old people,” Wildenstein always denied this, stating that her look was a reflection of her heritage and personal aesthetic.

In a 1998 Vanity Fair interview, she explained her cat-like appearance, attributing it to the features of her grandmother, saying, “The lynx has perfect eyes.”

Despite the controversies surrounding her appearance, Wildenstein remained unapologetically true to herself.

Later in life, she faced financial difficulties, filing for bankruptcy in 2018, but retained her resilience and sense of humor. She began a relationship with Klein in 2003 and the two became engaged in 2017.

Jocelyne Wildenstein’s life was a blend of wealth, fame, controversy, and inner strength. She will be remembered not only for her bold cosmetic transformation but for her enduring spirit.