Absolutely Fabulous

International socialite, philanthropist and grand hostess Lynn Wyatt turns 80 today, but we’re celebrating with her throughout 2015. The Houston native and third-generation Texan has raised countless funds for charitable causes and has hosted everyone from Princess Grace to Mick Jagger at her legendary home in River Oaks (dubbed the “Wyatt Hyatt”). Wyatt has been photographed by Helmut Newton and painted by Andy Warhol; she’s chaired balls in Monaco and Washington, D.C., and served on the board of the U.S. Naval Academy. But we love her most for her contributions to the great city of Houston. She’s been a devoted supporter of the Houston Grand Opera (she chaired the record-setting 50th anniversary gala, raising $2.5 million), Star of Hope, Houston Ballet, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Rothko Chapel, to name a few.

We heard celebrations kicked off in England with a stay at Highclere Castle, a speaking engagement at the Oxford Guild, a seated dinner for 20 thrown by BFF Elton John and lunch at Lord Jacob Rothschild‘s. On October 2, Wyatt is chairing the MFAH Grand Gala and, in a nod to Truman Capote, selected the theme Black & White Ball. A can’t-miss Paddle8 auction of more than a dozen of her legendary couture gowns to benefit the Rothko Chapel will also take place in the fall.

She’ll be the chicest octogenarian in Texas, if not the world. Happy birthday, Lynn.