KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The great-grandmother known as " Baddie Winkle ," who was famous for her wild outfits, catchphrases and ability to be unapologetically herself, has died. She was 97.

"Yesterday, an era ended and a star ascended," her great grand daughter Kennedy Lewis wrote on her page Friday. "She was joy, rebellion, and tenderness wrapped in one. The crown is eternal, & her love on many realms will live forever. This isn’t a goodbye, this is a See ya later my superstar."

Helen Ruth Elam Van Winkle amassed more than 3 million followers on Instagram and landed partnerships with brands like Tillamook Ice Cream, IT Cosmetics, Sally Beauty and more.

"She was iconic," Paris Hilton commented on the post announcing her death. "Sending love."

She rose to fame in 2014 after Lewis posted

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