Influencer Baddie Winkle dead at 97 as great-granddaughter remembers her 'joy, rebellion, and tenderness'

INFLUENCER Helen Van Winkle, who was best known as Baddie Winkle, has died at 97 years old, The U.S. Sun can report.

The beloved internet personality's great-granddaughter announced the news to her three million Instagram followers on September 5, saying "an era ended and a star ascended."

The post included a photo of Helen perched up against a wall donning a flowy white skirt, a white tank top that read "Bad Mother F**ker," and a fuzzy white sweater.

She rocked a shirt white-haired wig, and bedazzled classes, and a red lip, while holding a pink long-stemmed rose.

Above the top were the dates of the socialite's long life, from July 18, 1928, to September 4, 2025.

"Yesterday, an era ended and a star ascended," the caption began. "My great grandmother Helen Ruth Elam Vanwinkle danced he