Bethenny Frankel is paying tribute to celebrity makeup artist and friend Jasen Kaplan after his death.
“Jasen Kaplan had a positive energy that was truly infectious. He was fun, vibrant and always brought his A game. The world lost a one-of-a-kind gem on New Year’s Eve, which still doesn’t feel real,” Frankel, 55, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, January 1. “Jasen was magnetic, generous, endlessly supportive and always sharing his latest finds — food, products, people. He showed up with humor, heart and a genuine interest in everyone around him.”
While Frankel praised her glam squad member as the “ultimate connector,” she also loved that Kaplan “made people feel seen, celebrated and better about themselves.”
“He was my makeup artist, but also my friend and a constant part of my team,” she shared. “He was part of my ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ crew — from Paris work trips to Jingle Ball, where he proudly went as my date. We cried laughing constantly.”
Kaplan previously shared highlights of his trip to Paris via Instagram, calling it a “trip of a lifetime.”
Away from work, Frankel said Kaplan also developed a special relationship with her 15-year-old daughter, Bryn.
“Every time he saw Bryn, he offered to do her makeup, gifting her lip gloss and tips,” she wrote. “They adored each other.”
Kaplan died in New York City on Wednesday, December 31, Page Six reported. A cause of death has yet to be revealed.
Bethenny Frankel and Jasen Kaplan Courtesy of Bethenny Frankel
The New York Police Department told the publication that they’re investigating the death of a 46-year-old man at Kaplan’s apartment building and that the chief medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
Us Weekly has reached out to the NYPD for comment.
Frankel isn’t the only Real Housewives star who had the opportunity to work with Kaplan.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Danielle Cabral previously collaborated with Kaplan for a confessional look. After seeing Frankel’s post, the reality star shared her own fond memories.
“I’m so so sad about this. I met Jasen the night I met Bethenny. I was petrified to go up to them — B is my idol. [My husband] Nate refused to let this moment pass for me so he made the introduction,” Cabral, 40, wrote via her Instagram Story on Thursday. “In the car ride home, Jasen messaged me and we began a friendship, which led to him doing my makeup for a confessional.”
She continued, “Throughout the years that followed, we remained friends, cheering each other on from afar. I just can’t believe how fragile life is. I can’t stop thinking about this. Rest in the sweetest peace.”
The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Margaret Josephs also commented on Frankel’s post, writing, “Heartbroken for the loss of this beautiful soul, what a beautiful tribute. Sending you and [Bryn] much love and hugs 🙏❤️🕊️.”
As Kaplan’s famous clients continue to pay tribute online, Frankel had a request for her followers as she began the grieving process.
“Please tell someone you love them today. I’m holding my beautiful girl extra close—Jasen loved and adored her,” she wrote in her Instagram post. “You will always be on the B Team, for life and the afterlife. No one is going to have better glam than I do in heaven.”
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