Paris – 07.06.2026: Bernadette Chirac, who died on June 5, 2026 at the age of 93, played a decisive role in French politics and society for several decades. The wife of former French President Jacques Chirac was much more than just a Première Dame – she was an independent political actor and dedicated social activist.
Born on May 18, 1933 in Paris as Bernadette Chodron de Courcel, she came from a Catholic family with aristocratic roots. She completed her studies at the renowned Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris, where she met Jacques Chirac. In 1956, the two married and had two daughters, Laurence and Claude Chirac.
During the 1970s, Bernadette Chirac began to engage actively in politics. In 1971, she was elected to the municipal council of Sarran, and in 1977 she took on the role of deputy mayor there. In 1979, she was elected to the General Council of the Corrèze department, a position she held until 2015. Her political work was characterized by groundedness and social commitment.
During her husband’s presidency from 1995 to 2007, she was in the spotlight as Première Dame and used this position to promote social projects. Especially notable was her role as president of the Fondation Hôpitaux de Paris-Hôpitaux de France from 1994 onwards, which is committed to improving the living conditions of sick children and elderly people in French hospitals. Under her patronage, the annual fundraising campaign “Opération Pièces Jaunes” became a major success, gaining broad societal attention.
Her engagement was always accompanied by a distinctive personality: Bernadette Chirac was known for her sharp wit and clear, independent stance. Despite her public role, she maintained a private distance, withdrawing largely from public life after her husband’s death in 2019 and only rarely appearing in public.
Her life’s work leaves a lasting impact on the politics and society of France. Bernadette Chirac is regarded as a symbol of the connection between political influence and social responsibility. Her death marks the end of an era, but the projects and initiatives she helped start continue to set standards to this day.
Bernadette Chirac’s work is appreciated as an example of a woman who asserted herself courageously and with great commitment in politics and social fields beyond her role as the president’s spouse. Her voice and dedication remain unforgettable.
Sources
- Le Monde
- AP News