Swiss socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein has died aged 84. Her death was confirmed by partner Lloyd Klein to AFP on January 1, 2025, who was reportedly "saddened to announce the death of Jocelyn Wildenstein in Paris."
He confirmed that she died of a pulmonary embolism in a Parisian palace. "She died in her sleep very peacefully," he told People
"It's very sad. It's extremely sad. It's extremely sad to lay down with your other half that I know for 21 years and waiting to celebrate New Year's Eve and to find her cold."
© GC Images"We had a nice happy hour the same night and we were getting ready for the new year, and we took a little nap just to look good before getting dressed," he added.
Known for her extensive facial cosmetic procedures in order to resemble a cat, Jocelyn received a number of nicknames, from "The Cat Woman" to "The Bride of Wildenstein", due to her supposed transformation.
Her high-profile divorce from billionaire art dealer and businessman Alec Wildenstein, and her extravagant lifestyle and subsequent bankruptcy, were also subject to media attention.
© InstagramJocelyn's former marriage to Wildenstein attracted attention due to the staggering $2.5 billion settlement, leading to speculation surrounding her appearance. The couple reportedly were interested in exotic animals, particularly big cats, undergoing matching eye-lifts early in their marriage in order to reportedly channel the felines.
Although for many years she denied the extent of her surgery, speaking to The Times of London in 2023, Jocelyn alleged her ex-husband had "hired a publicist and paid a plastic surgeon to certify that I completely changed my face" in order to win their divorce dispute, although she won the settlement uncontested, earning the right to keep her surname.
© Aissaoui Nacer / MEGA"So, obviously Jocelyn did surgery — we know that," Her partner Lloyd admitted in the interview with The Times of London, with Jocelyn adding: "But not like people say."
Not only is she survived by Lloyd, but she has two children from her marriage to the art dealer, who passed away in 2008.
Jocelyn was first linked to fashion designer Lloyd Klein in 2005, who she remained with up to her death. He previously said of their relationship: "I hope it will last forever," adding: "I have not met anyone like Jocelyn."
