DEATHWATCH: NAN KEMPNER

I’m simply too worried to do a proper St. James Version today. The NY Daily News reports today that too-rich, too-thin socialite Nan Kempner is in a medically-induced coma, meaning her emphysema has progressed to a life-threatening stage. Either that, or the “superstar socialite” is a bit late jumping on the Terry Shiavo/Pope John Paul feeding-tube frenzy of last month. Either way, it’s TOO TRAGIC.

I knew she was in a bad way when Vanity Fair did that big “Hurray for Nan/Throw the Press Whore a Bone Before She Dies” puff piece. Then, when she didn’t show up to the Metropolitan Costume Exhibit, I figured she was REALLY on death’s doorstep. Nothing but nothing stops Nan from getting to her photo op.

But when she was spotted at Swifty’s, lunching next to her oxygen tank, I thought: How chic; why, she must be rallying. Now I realize it was literally a last gasp at fabulousness.

If she dies WHAT WILL I DO? HOW WILL I GO ON? I don’t think you understand: I LOVE THIS WOMAN. She represents all that is glamorous and chic about NY. She is everything I wanted to be as a little girl. In the ’80s I once decoupaged a table with pictures of her and Pat Buckley! I used to loiter outside of Bergdorf’s for hours upon hours, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Never once did I see her. Now it might be too late.

Choke.

Here is one of her final interviews.

– James St. James