Jocelyne Wildenstein: Iconic Swiss Socialite & Surgery Maven Passes at 84
(NEXSTAR) — A legend has left us. Jocelyne Wildenstein, the Swiss socialite who captured the world’s attention with her extravagant lifestyle and striking transformations, has passed away at the age of 84.
Her partner, the acclaimed designer Lloyd Klein, shared the heartbreaking news with international outlets, revealing that Wildenstein succumbed to a pulmonary embolism in a lavish Parisian palace. The news has sent ripples across the globe, as fans and admirers remember the vivacious life she led.
Jocelyne, born Jocelynnys Dayannys da Silva Bezerra Périsset on August 5, 1940, in Lausanne, Switzerland, moved to Paris at 19, where she began to rub shoulders with the crème de la crème of the art and entertainment worlds. Her larger-than-life persona soon took center stage!
Her romantic journey began on a safari in Africa where she met her husband, billionaire Alec Wildenstein, in 1977. They eloped to Las Vegas the following year, creating a whirlwind that would captivate the media.
However, it was Jocelyne’s dramatic metamorphoses that truly intrigued the public. Her numerous cosmetic surgeries led the press to affectionately—and sometimes cruelly—refer to her as “Catwoman.” Jocelyne vehemently denied any intent to resemble a feline, stating, “If I show you pictures of my grandmother, what you see is these eyes — cat eyes — and high cheekbones.”
In 1997, after allegations of infidelity and a shocking confrontation, Jocelyne and Alec sought divorce. The legal battle that ensued was legendary, resulting in Jocelyne receiving a staggering $2.5 billion and $100 million annually!
Following her divorce, Jocelyne found love again with fashion designer Lloyd Klein in 2003. She reportedly reveled in her newfound freedom, stating, “I found freedom, and instead of having to behave according to a program, I could suddenly appreciate life.”
With over a million followers on social media, Jocelyne was a beloved figure whose vibrant personality shined through her posts. Recently, her partner shared a heartwarming video of the couple enjoying the Christmas season together, a testament to their enduring love.
Jocelyne leaves behind two children from her marriage to Alec: Diane and Alec Jr. Tributes have poured in, with many reflecting on her uniqueness and the joy she brought to those around her. A prominent editor who had chronicled her life expressed, “The great Jocelyne Wildenstein has left this realm… What a star, she was so fun.”
