Legendary influencer Baddie Winkle has died at the age of 97: what is known.

According to The Sun: 87-year-old Helen Van Winkle, known as Baddie Winkle, has died, reports The U.S. Sun.

The famous online personality’s great-granddaughter announced the news to her followers on Instagram on September 5. She wrote:

“An era has ended, and the star has risen.”

Baddie Winkle passed away at the age of 97, her great-granddaughter announced on September 5 Instagram/Baddiewinkle

The post included an image of Helen sitting against a wall, dressed in a white skirt, a top that said “Bad Mama,” and a fluffy white sweater.

In the photo, she poses in a white outfit with a snow-white wig and stylish glasses, holding a long pink rose.

Her life spanned from July 18, 1928, to September 4, 2025.

“Yesterday an era ended and the star rose,”

- noted her great-granddaughter.

“My great-grandmother Helen Ruth Elam Van Winkle danced in the heavens. She was joy, rebellion, and care all wrapped into one. Her love will stay with us forever. This is not goodbye, it’s See you later, my superstar,”

- she added, inserting a broken heart emoji.

BELOVED ICON

Fans of Helen rushed to the comments to express their condolences and highlight the star's impact on the online community.

 

“You were my biggest inspiration, Baddie. Thank you for lighting up our lives with such bright colors!”

- wrote one fan.

 

“Thank you for sharing her with us. She was a ray of light, joy, a bright spot in many days. Rest in peace, queen,”

- added another.

Others noted that the world lost a “icon” and shared even more touching messages about Helen.

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Helen also left her mark on country superstar Kacey Musgraves when she joined her on stage during a performance at Coachella in 2019.

Fans were thrilled when Kacey invited Helen on stage during her song High Horse.

She came on stage in a bright pink outfit, dancing and singing along with the Grammy winner.

This was a landmark moment as Kacey became the first female headliner to perform at this annual festival.

MEMORABLE BIRTHDAY

The last post on Helen's Instagram was published on July 21 when she celebrated her 97th birthday by sharing a slideshow of photos.

In one shot, she was depicted in pajamas during the celebration, with several Labubu stuffed bears sitting next to her.

In another photo, she blew out the candles on a festive three-tiered cake.

In the third shot, Helen was smiling, holding a pink Labubu doll, in fully pink pajamas.

 

“I celebrated 97 years on Friday, I <3 my pajamas,”

- she wrote in the caption, receiving thousands of wishes from her fans. Instagram/Baddiewinkle Instagram/Baddiewinkle

Helen enjoyed the celebration in the company of her cake and Labubu toys.

The death of Baddie Winkle was a significant loss for her fans and everyone who followed her work. She was a symbol of fun and brightness on the internet, an inspiration for many people. Her influence on the online community will stay with us for a long time.