Jocelyn Wildenstein’s final moments before her death have been revealed.
The New York socialite nicknamed “The Catwoman” was with her longtime partner, Lloyd Klein, in Paris when she passed away on Dec. 31 at age 84.
Wildenstein died while she was taking a nap, Klein, 57, revealed in an interview with People published Wednesday.
Lloyd Klein and Jocelyn Wildenstein at Baccarat Hotel in NYC in August 2017. Getty Images
“We had a nice happy hour the same night, and we were getting ready for the new year,” he explained. “We took a little nap just to look good before getting dressed.”
The fashion designer added, “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.”
Jocelyn Wildenstein in 2017. Getty Images
“It’s very sad. It’s extremely sad,” Klein said about Wildenstein’s passing. “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 confirmed that Wildenstein died of phlebitis.
According to WebMD, phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein that causes pain and irritation and may block blood flow in the veins.
Jocelyn Wildenstein in Paris. KCS Presse / MEGA
“Because of her phlebitis, the legs were very, very swollen, and the blood was blocked, and there was no oxygen in the brain,” Klein said.
He added that despite Wildenstein’s condition, her health was “perfect” just days before their death.
“We were at the Ritz two days ago. We were having dinner,” he shared. “Before that, we had come for Fashion Week at Chanel. Everything was good, everything was good.”
Jocelyn Wildenstein and Lloyd Klein at Paris Fashion Week in September 2024. GC Images
“She was in great shape. She was in impeccable health,” Klein also said, calling his relationship with Wildenstein “beautiful.”
The couple dated on-and-off since 2003.
They made headlines in 2016 when Wildenstein was arrested for allegedly stabbing Klein with scissors during an argument at her Trump Tower apartment in New York.
Lloyd Klein and Jocelyn Wildenstein in Los Angeles in Nov. 2006. FilmMagic
Days later, Klein was booked for robbery, assault with intent to cause physical injury and more after he allegedly attempted to retrieve his belongings from the apartment.
The charges against Klein were dropped in January 2017 due to lack of evidence, while Jocelyn’s charges were dismissed in February 2017 after the couple reunited. They soon after got engaged.
Jocelyn Wildenstein in the Hamptons in 2006. FilmMagic
Wildenstein was previously married to wealthy art collector Alec Wildenstein, with whom she shared daughter Diane and son Alec Jr.
Her divorce from her ex-husband left her as one of the wealthiest people in the world after receiving a $2.5 billion settlement. She also was awarded $100 million more in annual payments from Alec for 13 years.
However, Wildenstein filed for bankruptcy in 2018 in New York.
Jocelyn Wildenstein at the FENDI 25th Anniversary of the Baguette in NYC in Sept. 2022. Getty Images for FENDI
Born Jocelyne Périsset, Wildenstein was known for her catlike features and addiction to plastic surgery.
TMZ reported that Wildenstein filmed a reality show before her death.
The show, which has yet to be picked up by a network, reportedly centered around Wildenstein’s life as she moved from Miami to Los Angeles, as well as Klein’s efforts to relaunch his fashion brand.
Sources told the outlet that Wildenstein was “happy,” “healthy,” and “a joy to work with.”
