Jocelyn Wildenstein, the infamous New York socialite known for her dramatic cosmetic surgeries that earned her the nickname ‘Catwoman,’ has died at the age of 82. The news was confirmed on January 1, 2025, by her family, who stated she passed away peacefully at her home in New York City. A prominent figure in the world of high society, Wildenstein was celebrated and criticized for her extensive plastic surgery, which she began after her then-husband’s infidelity in the 1990s.
Wildenstein was born on August 8, 1942, in Lausanne, Switzerland. Her rise to fame was marked by her marriage to billionaire Alec Wildenstein, with whom she had two children. The couple’s high-profile divorce in 1999 brought her into the spotlight, resulting in an eye-popping settlement of $2.5 billion, along with $100 million a year for 13 years, which made headlines across the world.
Throughout her life, Wildenstein maintained a complex relationship with fame and beauty, once stating, “I didn’t want to look like a cat, but I wanted to look more beautiful.” Despite the public scrutiny and mixed perceptions of her appearance, she remained a resilient figure in the landscape of celebrity culture.
Her death has brought an outpouring of tributes from friends and acquaintances. Fellow socialite and close friend, ‘Lady’ Victoria Hervey, remarked, “She was a fierce and fantastic friend, a true original who attracted the spotlight wherever she went.” Wildenstein is survived by her children, and her family has stated that a private memorial service will be held in her honor. The legacy of Jocelyn Wildenstein continues to captivate the public imagination, embodying the complex interplay between wealth, beauty, and identity in contemporary society.
