Sadly, Famed Model/Restaurateur B. Smith Dies Of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease At 70

In very sad news, famed model/restaurateur B. Smith has passed away due to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. She was 70. More details inside...

We just lost another legend.

Barbara Elaine Smith (aka B. Smith) – fashion model, chef, restaurateur and lifestyle guru – passed away peacefully last night. Her husband Dan Gasby made the announcement on his official Facebook page, revealing the cultural icon died of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in their home in Long Island on February 22, 2020 at 10:50pm. She was 70.

”Thank you to Dr. Sam Gandy, East End Hospice and additional caregivers who helped us make B. comfortable in her final days. Thank you to all the friends and fans who supported B. and our family during her journey. Thank you to everyone for respecting our privacy during this agonizing time,” he wrote. “Heaven is shining even brighter now that it is graced with B.'s dazzling and unforgettable smile. -Dan Gasby”

 

It is with great sadness that my daughter Dana and I announce the passing of my wife, Barbara Elaine Smith. B. died...

Posted by Dan Gasby on Sunday, February 23, 2020

 

In 2013, the former Wilhelmina model - the first African-American model to grace the cover of women’s magazine Mademoiselle - was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. Since then, her husband of 26 years, Dan Gasby, has been caring for her. 

Celebs are reacting to the news of her death:

 

We lost legendary fashion model, chef, restaurateur, lifestyle icon and magazine publisher, B Smith today. 70 years old, she and her husband, Dan Gasby were at the forefront of #alzheimers #research for people of color. Love to them and daughter, Dana. #bsmithwithstyle pic.twitter.com/pqFOpa9oxs

— Al Roker (@alroker) February 23, 2020

 

 

All of these things so true. Thank you B. Smith. https://t.co/Fmi0QJNviu

— Tamron Hall (@tamronhall) February 23, 2020

 

 

RIP B. Smith. My thoughts & prayers are with her family. B. was special to many people — I’m honored to have spent time with her. B.’s fight with Alzheimer’s was one far too many face, but she approached it with a spirit that made her light shine bright. (IG: thankyoudan) pic.twitter.com/L01V4oS1lj

— Dr. Mehmet Oz (@DrOz) February 23, 2020

 

 

I only met B. Smith once or twice at her restaurant in New York City.

She was beautiful, graceful and welcoming each time. As a model, a TV personality, a business owner and an entrepreneur, she was always a trailblazer.

May she rest in peace. https://t.co/YqyxUZKMrB

— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) February 23, 2020

 

 

B. Smith made a splash on the modeling scene in the 70s. She also hosted her own syndicated cooking and home decor series, “B. Smith With Style,” in the early 2000s. Not only that, B launched her own home collection at Bed Bath and Beyond in 2001 and wrote three home entertaining books.

You may recall, B. Smith went missing in 2014 after she did not return home from a trip to NYC. She was eventually spotted by someone in a diner and was taken back some safely. Thankfully.

Last year, Dan Gasby made headlines when he first opened up about his relationship with his blond-haired girlfriend, 53-year-old Alex Lerner (above). Not only that, he let Alex MOVE inside the home he shared with B. Smith. She reportedly helped Dan take care of B. Smith. The couple did televised interviews together where they talked about taking care of B. Smith and they also opened up about caretaking via their own radio show.

Of course, they faced backlash from fans who were upset that he would move his new girlfriend in the home he shared with his wife – regardless of her condition. But, he didn’t seem to care much.

Also, TV personality/style expert Paul Wharton - who said he has been friends with B. Smith for years - spilled details of his first-hand account of when he learned Dan and Alex were an actual couple. And he also shared details about an incident when he had to check Alex for allegedly chastising B. Catch up HERE.

We send our prayers and condolences out to B. Smith's family, her daughter Dana, friends and fans. May she rest in peace!

Photo: Dan's Facebook

source: theybf