Jocelyn Wildenstein, the socialite renowned for her extravagant lifestyle and dramatic, feline-like features, has died at the age of 84. Wildenstein, widely known as 'Catwoman' due to her extensive plastic surgeries, passed away from complications related to pulmonary embolism at her Parisian residence on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2024. The news was confirmed by her partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein.
Wildenstein's life was nothing short of tumultuous, defined by her high-profile marriage and divorce from billionaire art dealer Alec N. Wildenstein. They had eloped together in Las Vegas back in 1978, leading to a marriage filled with luxury and wealth. Wildenstein's notoriety escalated after her contentious divorce proceedings, which became one of the most expensive splits in history. Following their separation, she secured a staggering $2.5 billion settlement, along with $100 million annually for thirteen years, enabling her to maintain her extravagant lifestyle.
Despite her financial windfall, Wildenstein’s fortune dwindled over time, leading her to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2018. During the proceedings, she lamented her financial situation, stating, "I am not employed and my only income is Social Security," emphasizing her struggle to sustain the lifestyle she was accustomed to.
Born Jocelyne Périsset, Wildenstein’s transformation—both physical and personal—has been widely documented and debated. From the late 1970s onwards, she underwent numerous cosmetic procedures, all aimed at achieving her idealized cat-like appearance, believed to be inspired by her husband’s love for felines. At one stage, she claimed, "I haven’t had plastic surgery. I am scared of what can happen," illustrating her conflicting emotions about her appearance.
Wildenstein often insisted her features were genetic, stating, "If I show you pictures of my grandmother, what you see is these eyes—cat eyes—and high cheekbones." Nevertheless, friends and associates of Alec have suggested he had encouraged her surgery to meet his aesthetic desires, though both have refuted this claim over the years.
The socialite was last seen publicly on December 18, 2024, appearing healthy as she greeted onlookers, dressed sharply with her trademark fur jacket and sunglasses. This final sighting showcased the persona she maintained throughout her life, embodying high fashion and elegance. Days later, her life would tragically come to an end, leaving behind a legacy splashed with equal parts glamour and controversy.
A curious anecdote from her life includes her recollection of how she initially bonded with her late husband over hunting, saying, "You must eat a part of the heart of your game," recalling her adventurous early years spent together. Such shared experiences underscored their intense romance, albeit one tainted by challenges.
Throughout their relationship, which lasted until Alec's death at 67, Wildenstein displayed remarkable loyalty, often recounting her tales of their unique life together. Yet the dissolution of their marriage, fueled by infidelity allegations, spurred her rise to celebrity as the 'Catwoman', turning her plight and transformation under the knife of cosmetic surgeons including the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty ideals, which reflected broader societal trends.
Describing her spending habits, Wildenstein once revealed staggering figures, with reports indicating she had food and wine costs totaling up to $547,000 annually, adding to her public image as someone living lavishly against her later claims of financial despair. Her extravagant lifestyle kept her firmly within the elite circles of the media, and she accrued over one million followers on Instagram as she maintained her self-constructed persona as both art dealer and high society figure.
Despite the layers of adulation and scrutiny, her relationship with Lloyd Klein showed her attachment to love and companionship, as they remained together until her passing. Klein expressed deep sadness about her death, stating simply, "I am saddened to announce her passing," showcasing the weight of loss felt not just by him, but by her many admirers around the world.
Only time will tell what legacy Wildenstein truly left behind—whether as this grand figure of fashion gone awry or as just another victim of the incessant media scrutiny and beauty standards she often battled against. Wildenstein is survived by her two children, Diane and Alec Jr., her life a compelling narrative of pursuit, passion, and the drive for beauty, forever etched within the annals of celebrity lore.