New Year Begins with Farewell to “Catwoman” Jocelyn Wildenstein, Dead at 84

Jocelyn Wildenstein, the iconic New York socialite famously dubbed “The Catwoman” for her unique appearance and extensive plastic surgeries, has died at the age of 84. Her passing was confirmed by her longtime partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, who revealed to AFP that Wildenstein succumbed to a pulmonary embolism on Tuesday in a Parisian palace.

Pulmonary embolism, caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the lungs, is a serious medical condition that can be fatal if untreated. The Mayo Clinic describes the condition as one that often develops due to deep vein thrombosis. Wildenstein’s death was first reported by The Daily Mail.

Wildenstein became a household name in the late 1990s during her high-profile divorce from billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein. The sensational split unfolded after Jocelyn famously caught Alec with a 19-year-old Russian model. The divorce became one of the most expensive in history, netting Jocelyn an eye-watering $2.5 billion settlement, with an additional $100 million annually for 13 years.

Born in Switzerland, Wildenstein initially led a relatively private life, but her extravagant spending habits, love of big cats, and striking transformation through plastic surgery kept her firmly in the public eye. Wildenstein claimed her surgeries were designed to maintain her husband’s interest by emulating the exotic look of his beloved felines.

Despite facing ridicule and controversy for her appearance, Wildenstein maintained an air of defiance and self-confidence, often declaring she was pleased with her look. Over the years, she transitioned from socialite to a symbol of unrelenting individuality, dividing public opinion but remaining unforgettable.

Wildenstein spent her later years alongside Klein, facing personal and financial turmoil, including bankruptcy filings and public disputes. Yet, her life continued to fascinate the world, a testament to her larger-than-life persona.