Jocelyn Wildenstein, the notorious Swiss-born socialite famously dubbed “Catwoman” for her extreme cosmetic surgeries that gave her feline features, has sadly passed away in Paris from a pulmonary embolism. Her long-time partner, Lloyd Klein, shared the news with AFP.

Wildenstein, born Jocelyn Périsset, became a fixture in American tabloids due to her dramatic transformations, tumultuous relationships, and extraordinary wealth, which kicked off a fascinating yet tumultuous public life. While she was awarded a massive $2.5 billion divorce settlement from her art dealer husband Alec Wildenstein, she controversially claimed to have encountered financial ruin in subsequent years, ultimately filing for bankruptcy in 2018.

Her early years in Lausanne, Switzerland, were filled with childhood activities like swimming and skiing, fueled by a passion for African big cats that originated from her father's influence. This passion came full circle when she met Alec Wildenstein on a Kenyan safari in 1977, leading to a lavish lifestyle that included a sprawling ranch in Kenya where she housed exotic animals, including tigers.

Wildenstein’s obsession with cosmetic enhancements began shortly after her marriage, and she eventually underwent numerous surgeries, which she sometimes playfully referred to as a family trait or mere hairstyle changes. Her appearance became her defining characteristic, attracting both fascination and criticism throughout her life. She once stated, “If you feel good with your imperfections... then you do nothing,” reflecting a complex view on beauty and self-perception.

The couple's marriage, however, was marred by tumult, culminating in a shocking incident in 1998 when Jocelyn caught Alec in bed with another woman. Their divorce was one of the most sensational in history, with Alec being ordered to pay an annual sum that was jaw-dropping even for their lavish lifestyle. After his death in 2008, Wildenstein's life took further twists and turns, including a documented relationship with Lloyd Klein, which was often fraught with public disputes and personal chaos.

Despite her struggles, Wildenstein managed to re-enter the public sphere, embracing her outlandish persona and even becoming a fashion muse in high-end circles. Photoshoots in prestigious magazines celebrated her unique look, transforming her into a camp icon. Yet, she remained an enigma with many aspects of her life - including her actual age and the true origin of her wealth and appearance - still shrouded in mystery.

As speculation swirled around her plans for an HBO series to recount her extraordinary story, the project has yet to come to fruition. Jocelyn Wildenstein lived life on her own terms, famously stating, “I have nothing to prove... in the end, I don’t care,” signaling a life unconcerned with the opinions of others, yet always the center of attention.

Wildenstein's journey through love, wealth, and self-transformation leaves behind a legacy that intertwines fascination and criticism in equal measure, embodying a unique chapter in the narrative of modern celebrity culture. Her passing marks the end of an era for a figure who continually captivated and divided public opinion.