Simmons' Wife Grieves For Cat

Def Jam founder Russell Simmons' wife KIMORA is grieving after her beloved cat Max passed away last week (08OCT04).

The TV host used the 21-year-old black feline as the inspiration behind the logo for her BABY PHAT fashion label, and her mourning has made shooting her chat show LIFE AND STYLE a struggle.

Kimora was reportedly in floods of tears about Max's condition last Thursday (07OCT04) and was visited by hip-hop mogul Simmons, who offered her flowers and comfort.

When ill Max passed away the next day, grief-stricken Kimora took 24 hours off before returning to work earlier this week (begs11OCT04).

Kimora's spokesperson tells PAGESIX.COM, "Max has been a loving member of Kimora's family for over two decades. She has been the inspiration for the logo of the Baby Phat line and will be sorely missed.

"Kimora had this cat since she was 8 years old. She was very dear to Kimora, and she is taking it hard."