“The Real Housewives of New York City” star Bethenny Frankel is mourning the loss of her dear friend. Frankel paid tribute to celebrity makeup artist Jasen Kaplan in a touching Instagram post, spotlighting their close friendship and praising Kaplan as an incredible individual who deeply impacted her life.
Bethenny Frankel Pays Tribute to Beloved Friend
Kaplan died on New Year’s Eve, December 31, Page Six reports. He was a successful makeup artist with a slew of celebrity clients, including Kelly Osbourne, Eva Longoria, Lydia Hearst, Tinsley Mortimer, and Frankel. But he and Frankel shared much more than a working relationship, and she penned a heartfelt tribute to him on Instagram on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
“Jasen Kaplan had a positive energy that was truly infectious,” Frankel began her message. “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.”
She continued to list some of his qualities. “Jasen was magnetic, generous, endlessly supportive, and always sharing his latest finds—food, products, people,” Frankel shared. “He showed up with humor, heart, and a genuine interest in everyone around him … He sent me weekly messages with his finds. His most recent was a fancy Hello Kitty cookie jar that reminded him of me.
Frankel referred to Kaplan as her “friend” and “a constant part of my team,” and went on to list how he worked closely with her on several trips, including a visit to Paris. “In Paris, we gossiped, giggled, and ate our weight in truffles and caviar,” she recalled.
Frankel also briefly mentioned her daughter, Bryn Hoppy, and how she and Kaplan “adored” each other. She ended her message with a positive outlook. “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,” she wrote. “Rest in peace, and enjoy all the caviar and coconut cake.”
Fans Show Their Support
The comment section of Frankel’s post has been flooded with messages from celebrities and fans. Some of them knew Kaplan personally and praised him for being an incredible person and a great talent.
“He was special. So many beautiful memories with you and Jasen that I’ll cherish and laugh about forever. Love you, B,” a comment reads. “Beautiful tribute Bethenny. Sending so much love,” another person shared.
“Heartbroken for the loss of this beautiful soul, what a beautiful tribute. Sending you and Brynn much love and hugs,” a tribute from “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Margaret Josephs reads.
Kaplan loved Frankel, and he shared photos of them on Instagram, including content from their Paris trip on September 24, 2024. ”Words can not express my gratitude for this trip!” he wrote in the caption. “@bethennyfrankel you inspire me every day, and I’m so grateful to be on ‘the B team!’”
