Jocelyn Wildenstein, famed for her dramatic surgical transformations and often called “Catwoman,” left behind a legacy beyond her public image. She passed away unexpectedly at 84 on December 31, 2024.
Her death, attributed to phlebitis, occurred just before she was to celebrate the New Year with her longtime partner, Lloyd Klein. Klein revealed that they had taken a nap, and when he woke up, he found her cold and unresponsive—a sad end to a life that fascinated many.
‘Catwoman’ Jocelyn Wildenstein’s Children, Diane and Alec Jr., Are Carving Their Paths Amid the Shadows of Fame and Wealth
Jocelyn Wildenstein wasn’t just known for her controversial image; she was also a mother to two kids, Diane and Alec Jr., whose lives were shaped by both her notoriety and their father’s wealth. She had her children with her ex-husband, Alec Wildenstein. However, both her son and daughter were reportedly estranged from her before she passed away.
Despite a less-than-ideal relationship, Jocelyn often posted nostalgic memories about her children on social media. She would commemorate their birthdays or reminisce about their early years. For instance, on August 25, 2024, she shared a heartfelt photo of her and Diane at their Parisian home, Château de Marienthal, celebrating Diane’s birthday.
Diane and Alec Jr. have carved their own paths, albeit shadowed by their family’s high-profile status. Diane lives in London, keeping up with the family’s love for horses. She’s low-key about it, but she’s still very much involved in horse breeding, following in her family’s footsteps. Alec Jr., meanwhile, is more out in the open, running Ol Jogi, the family’s wildlife conservancy in Kenya. His journey hasn’t been without its bumps. In 2016, he and his uncle Guy Wildenstein got into legal trouble for tax fraud, which led to a two-year suspended prison sentence and a hefty fine in 2024.
Before becoming a mother, Jocelyn was key in setting up the Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy, which expanded into a 58,000-acre sanctuary. She carried a massive love for animals, especially cats, and this passion was a big part of who she was. It even played a role in her dramatic physical changes. Jocelyn’s love for cats wasn’t just about looks; it was a huge part of her story, including the tough times that led her to get multiple cosmetic surgeries. Her marriage to Alec Sr. was strained, especially with their kids going to school away from home, which led to frequent arguments and her turning to cosmetic procedures for comfort.
From Luxury to Loneliness: The Complex Story of Jocelyn Wildenstein
Jocelyn’s life story is a pretty crazy ride from humble beginnings to becoming one of the richest people after her divorce. Born Jocelyn Périsset, she married Alec Wildenstein in the ’70s. They had two kids, Diane and Alec Jr., but their marriage fell apart with accusations of infidelity and excessive spending. Their 1999 divorce was one of the most expensive in history, with Jocelyn reportedly receiving over $2 billion, plus additional annual payments. Despite this enormous wealth, she famously squandered much of it through continuous surgeries and luxurious expenditures.
When Jocelyn’s marriage to Alec Wildenstein fell apart, it got incredibly messy with bitter disputes and everyone seemingly talking about her lifestyle and looks. Alec Sr. even joked that Jocelyn’s constant plastic surgery was like trying to fix up old furniture, suggesting it was utterly pointless. But Jocelyn shot back, accusing Alec of trying to sway public opinion and hiring a plastic surgeon to lie about how much work she’d had done, just to get an edge in their divorce proceedings.
Billionaire socialite ‘Catwoman’ Jocelyn Wildenstein denies having extensive plastic surgery, instead claiming she just has good skin.
“I take good care of my skin.’ pic.twitter.com/xLDUAwNGR8
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) December 27, 2024
After her divorce, Jocelyn’s life revolved around flashy spending and her effort to stay in the media spotlight. Her relationships, especially with fashion designer Lloyd Klein, kept her in the public eye. Jocelyn’s love for the extravagant was clear from her lifestyle, which often made the news. Despite all the wealth and surgeries, she still had strong ties to her past and family, even if those relationships were strained.
Jocelyn Wildenstein’s kids, Diane and Alec Jr., have pretty interesting lives shaped by their unique and sometimes chaotic upbringing. Diane is into horseback riding in London, which harks back to the quieter side of the Wildenstein legacy, away from the public drama that surrounded her mother. On the other hand, Alec Jr. is busy running Ol Jogi and dealing with legal issues, showing a different side of the family’s story tied to their huge wealth and the responsibilities that come with it.
