Source: The Washington Post / Getty
B. Smith, who came to fame as a groundbreaking model, restaurateur and lifestyle guru, has passed away. She was 70.
Smith suffered from early-onset Alzheimer’s, and her husband Dan Gasby, who was also her business partner, was her chief caregiver. She passed away on Saturday night (Feb. 22), and Gasby (who has received criticism) and her daughter released a statement confirming her transition.
It is with great sadness that my daughter Dana and I announce the passing of my wife, Barbara Elaine Smith.
B. died peacefully Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 10:50 pm, of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease in our home in Long Island, New York. 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.
Heaven is shining even brighter now that it is graced with B.’s dazzling and unforgettable smile.
-Dan Gasby
Born Barbara Elaine Smith on August 24, 1949, B. Smith started modeling in the 1960’s and was signed to the Wilhelmina modeling agency. She eventually opened three popular B. Smith Restaurants in New York City and Washington. Throughout the years she became a lifestyle maven, as well as published author, among a myriad of accolades. Basically, Martha Stewart didn’t have anything on B. Smith.
Since the news of her passing, many celebs including Al Roker, Dr. Oz and Tamron Hall have been offering their condolences (see below).
Rest in powerful peace.
1.
RIP B. Smith. You epitomized class, true beauty and dignity. Rest well Queen❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/uJlWb9aapG
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) February 23, 2020
2.
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
3.
She broke down barriers.
— Audrey Washington (@AudreyWSBTV) February 23, 2020
She shined.
She fought the good fight.
Rest In Peace, B. Smith.#BSmith pic.twitter.com/ocEL3IkDoC
4.
Former fashion model, lifestyle expert, and entrepreneur B. Smith has passed away at the age of 70. She suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. She was famous for her flair w/ home decorating & cooking ideas. She was also a published,award winning author. #RIP Queen. pic.twitter.com/xgm0jARgFk
— Candace Y.A. Montague (@urbanbushwoman9) February 23, 2020
5.
B. Smith has passed away. 😔
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) February 23, 2020
Alzheimer’s is the devil’s disease. pic.twitter.com/efr3bx36mg
6.
My grandma used to cut her recipes from magazines & newspapers and we'd made them together. RIP B. Smith. https://t.co/vIHHGhbJ3z
— Ashley C. Ford (@iSmashFizzle) February 23, 2020
7.
All of these things so true. Thank you B. Smith. https://t.co/Fmi0QJNviu
— Tamron Hall (@tamronhall) February 23, 2020
8.
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
9.
I only met B. Smith once or twice at her restaurant in New York City.
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) February 23, 2020
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
10.
B. Smith, style icon, has died. #Alzheimer is a nasty, horrible disease! #RESTINPOWER, QUEEN!https://t.co/p3dnwWPsGG
— Karen Hunter (@karenhunter) February 23, 2020
11.
The world has lost B. Smith. Just 70 years old. But she is finally at peace. Known by many as “the black Martha Stewart”, the pioneering entrepreneur’s last years were difficult ones, battling Alzheimer's. pic.twitter.com/nXGpUEzaHS
— Perez (@ThePerezHilton) February 23, 2020