A few weeks after her birthday, Instagram’s most famous grandmother passes away

Helen Van Winkle, Instagram’s most famous grandmother, has passed away at the age of 97.

Her great-great-granddaughter shared the news on Baddie Winkle’s account, which has over 3 million followers, writing that “an era has ended.”

Just six weeks earlier, the grandmother had posted photos from her birthday celebration. True to her colorful personality, the announcement of her passing was accompanied by a photo of her wearing a shirt reading “Bad Mother F\*\*ker” and holding a flower.

“July 18, 1928 – September 4, 2025,” read the caption. “My great-great-grandmother Helen Ruth Elam Vanwinkle danced her way to heaven. She was joy, rebellion, and kindness. The crown is eternal, her love in many realms will live forever. This is not goodbye, this is a see you later my superstar.”

Among those expressing condolences was Paris Hilton, who wrote: “She was iconic.”

Van Winkle gained a massive following on social media by proving that age doesn’t mean you have to grow old. She even appeared on stage at Coachella in 2019, performing “High Horse” alongside Kacey Musgraves.

“KORÇA BOOM”