Jocelyne Wildenstein: Iconic Swiss Socialite & Surgery Pioneer Passes Away at 84

(NEXSTAR) — In a profound moment of reflection, we bid farewell to Jocelyne Wildenstein, the legendary Swiss socialite whose vibrant life captured hearts and headlines alike. Wildenstein, who became a household name following her sensational divorce from billionaire Alec Wildenstein in 1997 and her striking cosmetic transformations, has passed away at the age of 84.

Her longtime partner, renowned designer Lloyd Klein, shared the somber news with French news agency AFP, revealing that she succumbed to a pulmonary embolism in a majestic Parisian palace.

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Born Jocelynnys Dayannys da Silva Bezerra Périsset in the picturesque city of Lausanne, Switzerland, on August 5, 1940, her journey took a captivating turn at the tender age of 19 when she moved to Paris with her then-boyfriend, immersing herself in the vibrant arts and entertainment scene.

An adventurous spirit, Jocelyne found love on a safari in Africa, where she met Alec Wildenstein, heir to a prominent European lineage. The couple’s whirlwind romance led to an impulsive elopement in Las Vegas just a year later.

Over the years, Jocelyne became a captivating figure in the media spotlight, largely due to her extensive cosmetic surgeries that transformed her appearance into a strikingly feline visage—earning her the infamous moniker “Catwoman.” In a revealing interview, she once remarked, “The lynx has perfect eyes,” passionately defending her unique look along with her affinity for these majestic creatures.

The Wildenstein’s marriage, however, was tumultuous; after discovering Alec with a Russian model and enduring an alarming confrontation, the couple’s divorce proceedings began in 1997. The final settlement awarded Jocelyne a staggering $2.5 billion alongside an annual payment of $100 million.

In 2003, she found love again with fashion designer Lloyd Klein, and described her life post-divorce as one of newfound freedom and joy. “I found freedom, and instead of having to behave according to a program, I could suddenly have the freedom to appreciate it,” she shared.

Jocelyne also made her mark as an art dealer, amassing a following of over 1 million on social media, where fans often showered her with affection. In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, Klein honored her legacy: “The great Jocelyne Wildenstein has left this realm… What a star, she was so fun.”

She leaves behind two children, Diane and Alec Jr., who carry her spirit forward. Just weeks prior to her passing, Klein shared a sweet moment on social media, capturing the joy they found together amidst the enchanting backdrop of Christmas in Paris.

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