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Topics: Celebrity, TV And Film
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: Celebrity, TV And Film
Jocelyn Wildenstein, dubbed 'Catwoman' for her extreme cosmetic surgeries, has died following a nap with her partner.
The Swiss socialite became famous for her distinctive appearance and high cheekbones, earning her the media nickname.
She also had a high-profile divorce from art dealer Alec Wildenstein, but was subsequently engaged to fashion designer fiancé Lloyd Klein, 57.
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Klein has now confirmed that Wildenstein died in her sleep while taking a nap on New Year's Eve (31 December).
In a statement sent to AFP, he said: "It is with heavy heart and with great sadness that Mr Lloyd Klein announces the unexpected death of his beloved fiancée and longtime companion Jocelyne Wildenstein."
The statement carried on: "Mrs Wildenstein died peacefully in her sleep in the late afternoon of December 31st, 2024 in her... suite in Paris where the couple had taken temporary residence since August of 2024."
Klein had tried to wake Wildenstein from a nap so she could get ready for New Year's Eve dinner, but she was unresponsive, he said.
"Early reports from the doctors called to the scene indicate that she had endured heart failure and passed peacefully in her sleep," Klein added.
"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," Klein told People.
When asked by the outlet about Wildenstein's cause of death, he continued: "Because of her phlebitis, the legs were very, very swollen, and the blood was blocked, and there was no oxygen in the brain.
"And we were having a nap and when I wake up, I said, 'Jocelyn, we have to wake up, we have to get dressed,' and she was cold and she was dead."
"It's very sad. It's extremely sad," he added. "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."
Klein explained that the condition Wildenstein had, which her grandmother also had too, did not impact their holiday plans as her health had been 'perfect' just a matter of days prior.
"We were at the Ritz two days ago. We were having dinner," he explained. "Before that, we had come for Fashion Week at Chanel. Everything was good, everything was good."