New details surrounding the death of socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein, known for her striking and cosmetically enhanced cat-like appearance, have been revealed. The Swiss-born socialite tragically passed away just hours before her planned New Year’s celebration. Her longtime partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, confirmed the cause of her death, which was linked to a pulmonary embolism triggered by her pre-existing medical condition.
In an interview published on January 1st, Lloyd shared that the couple had spent the evening enjoying a pleasant happy hour and were preparing for their New Year’s Eve celebration. They even took a brief nap to rest before getting dressed for the festivities. However, the tragic turn of events occurred while they were still in the midst of preparing for the evening. Lloyd explained that Jocelyn’s condition—fitis, which causes inflammation in the veins of the legs—led to a blockage of blood flow, preventing oxygen from reaching her brain and ultimately causing the fatal pulmonary embolism.
When Lloyd tried to wake her up, he was devastated to find that Jocelyn was unresponsive and cold. “We were getting ready to get dressed, and I said, ‘Joselyn, we have to wake up,’ but she was cold, and she was dead,” Lloyd recalled.
In the days prior to her death, Jocelyn appeared to be in perfect health. Just two days before her passing, she had enjoyed dinner with Lloyd at The Ritz, and they had attended Fashion Week at Chanel. According to Lloyd, everything seemed normal, and she was in high spirits.
Jocelyn Wildenstein, often referred to as “Catwoman” or the “Bride of Wildenstein” due to her dramatic cosmetic surgeries, became a public figure after her highly publicized divorce from billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein in 1999. Her distinctive appearance, which resulted from multiple surgeries, became a global focal point. However, her life was not just about her physical transformation. She was also known for her philanthropic efforts, including funding clinics and providing water sources for animals in Africa.
After her divorce, Jocelyn was awarded a substantial financial settlement, including $2.5 billion and $100 million in alimony. In 2001, she met Lloyd Klein, and the two had been together ever since. In interviews, Lloyd has described Jocelyn as a sophisticated and whimsical woman, praising her for her good taste and kindness. While Jocelyn’s appearance often made headlines, her significant humanitarian work and contributions to various causes are an important part of her legacy.
Jocelyn’s death marks the end of a life that captivated the public, not only because of her physical transformation but also due to her unique character and accomplishments beyond the spotlight.
