Jocelyn Wildenstein, widely recognized by the nickname "Catwoman" due to her extensive cosmetic procedures, passed away peacefully in her sleep on New Year's Eve at the age of 87.

Her longtime partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, confirmed the news, recounting their final hours together. They had enjoyed a pleasant evening and were preparing for New Year's Eve celebrations. After a short nap, Klein awoke to find Wildenstein unresponsive.

Klein explained that Wildenstein's passing was attributed to phlebitis, a condition that causes blood clots to form in the veins, often in the legs. He noted that her legs were significantly swollen, indicating a blockage that likely led to a lack of oxygen reaching the brain. He expressed his profound sadness at the sudden loss.

Leading up to New Year's Eve, Wildenstein had appeared to be in excellent health. Klein recalled recent outings, including dinners at the Ritz and attendance at Chanel's Fashion Week show in Paris, emphasizing her vibrant demeanor and social engagement.

Wildenstein's transformative cosmetic surgeries earned her the "Catwoman" nickname. Born Jocelyne Perisset, the Swiss socialite garnered significant media attention in the 1990s after her high-profile divorce from billionaire art collector Alec Wildenstein, which resulted in a substantial $2.5 billion settlement. Following the divorce, she began her relationship with Klein, which spanned nearly two decades.

Despite her significant wealth, Wildenstein faced financial difficulties later in life, filing for bankruptcy in 2018. In an affidavit, she stated her sole income was Social Security and that she relied on friends and family for support.

In the same year, she refuted claims about extensive plastic surgery, attributing her distinctive features to her Swiss ancestry. She also expressed a belief that she was more beautiful in her youth.

Wildenstein was previously involved in legal disputes with Klein, with both facing allegations of assault in 2016. The charges were ultimately dropped. She is survived by her two children, Diane and Alec Jr.