Jocelyn Wildenstein, the Iconic ‘Catwoman’ Socialite, Dies at 84

The world has lost a true icon. Jocelyn Wildenstein, famously known as “Catwoman,” has sadly passed away at the age of 84. This Swiss socialite captured headlines with her striking appearance, a result of extensive cosmetic enhancements, and her tumultuous 1999 divorce from a billionaire art dealer that left everyone buzzing.

Her longtime partner, Lloyd Klein, shared the heartbreaking news, revealing she succumbed to a pulmonary embolism in a lavish Parisian palace. The echoes of her life resonate through the pages of celebrity history, and we remember her vividly.

Born Jocelyne Périsset in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1940, Jocelyn’s journey took a remarkable turn when she eloped with Alec Wildenstein in 1977. Together, they had two children, Diane and Alec Jr., but their fairy tale ended in a split that would shock the world.

Their divorce in 1997 was a spectacle of its own, finalized two years later, with tabloids dubbing Jocelyn “The Bride of Wildenstein” due to her transformative surgeries. Her ex-husband, Alec, who passed away in 2008, left a mark on her life, paying a staggering $2.5 billion and $100 million annually as part of their settlement.

During the tumult of their divorce, Jocelyn claimed her numerous procedures were a response to her husband’s disdain for aging. Yet, intriguingly, she also insisted her feline features were not solely a byproduct of cosmetic surgery, attributing her striking eyes to inherited traits from her grandmother. “The lynx has perfect eyes,” she stated, highlighting her unique perspective on beauty.

Alec, however, had a different viewpoint, stating, “She was thinking that she could fix her face like a piece of furniture.” Their contrasting views paint a vivid picture of their complicated relationship.

After her divorce, Jocelyn aimed to retreat from the limelight, expressing her natural inclination towards privacy. However, she also accused Alec of painting her as a “monster” to sway public opinion during their split.

In more recent years, Jocelyn was candid about her financial struggles, revealing plans for a documentary and a reality show to navigate her circumstances after years of financial turbulence. “I have a huge problem with my settlement,” she lamented, a far cry from her earlier opulence.

Since 2003, Jocelyn had been in a passionate relationship with fashion designer Lloyd Klein. He emphasized her multifaceted life, pointing out that her legacy should encompass her significant achievements beyond her plastic surgeries, including her philanthropic efforts that often went unnoticed.

Reflecting on her post-divorce life, Jocelyn once shared, “I had a lot of fun. I found freedom.” Her journey was marked by resilience and a quest for authenticity amidst the chaos.

Their relationship was not without its turmoil; the couple faced legal trouble in 2016, with both charged during a domestic dispute. However, they later reconciled, demonstrating the complexity of their bond.

Just days before her passing, Jocelyn and Klein shared moments from their holiday in Paris on social media, a bittersweet reminder of their love.

Jocelyn Wildenstein leaves behind a legacy intertwined with beauty, drama, and resilience, survived by her beloved partner and her children.