Daphne Selfe, widely known as the world’s oldest professional model, has passed away at 97. Her family shared that she died peacefully, closing a life that remained active and inspiring until the very end.

In a touching tribute, they wrote, “She rose peacefully and purposely towards the light,” reflecting both her grace and lifelong connection to beauty and expression. Even in her final year, she remained involved in fashion, with “her final working day” taking place at a major event.

Born in London in 1928, she began modeling young but paused her career to raise a family. Decades later, she returned in her 70s and found even greater success. As she once said, “I had more modeling success since I was 70 than I ever did when I was 20.”

Her natural look became her signature. Embracing aging helped define her career, as she explained: “I became successful when I embraced my age and went gray… It made me more striking.”

Beyond fashion, she valued connection and simple moments, saying, “I’m a great one for socializing.” Her life stands as a reminder that purpose and passion can continue at any age, leaving behind a legacy that, as her family shared, “will continue to inspire, always and forever.”