Paris – 06.06.2026: Bernadette Chirac, the widow of former French president Jacques Chirac, died on June 5, 2026, at the age of 93. Her daughter, Claude Chirac, confirmed the death Saturday morning to the AFP news agency. Bernadette Chirac, born Bernadette Chodron de Courcel on May 18, 1933, in Paris, grew up in a well-to-do family and studied at the prestigious Sciences Po. It was there that she met Jacques Chirac, whom she married in 1956. Together they accompanied his political career, which led him from the administration of the city of Paris to ministerial posts and then the presidency. During this period, Bernadette Chirac remained a constant support and largely shaped her husband’s public image.
As First Lady from 1995 to 2007, she not only performed representative duties but was also actively involved in social projects. She became particularly famous for her leadership of the Hôpitaux de Paris-Hôpitaux de France Foundation, which works to improve conditions in children’s hospitals. Her “Operation Yellow Coins” initiative raised considerable funds over the years and helped modernize many facilities.
Bernadette Chirac was the only First Lady of the Fifth Republic to hold her own political mandate. From 1979 to 2015, she served continuously as a general councillor of the Corrèze department, strongly influencing local politics. Her political career in Corrèze began in 1979 when she was first elected to the general council. She was appreciated for her simplicity and tireless commitment to the region.
In addition to her political involvement, Bernadette Chirac was also known for her biting wit and independence. She did not hesitate to express her opinion and often appeared as an autonomous personality, transcending the traditional role of First Lady. Her openness and frankness made her a respected figure in the French public.
The Chirac family was shaken by personal tragedies, notably the death of their daughter Laurence in 2016, who had long suffered from a serious eating disorder. After her daughter’s death, Bernadette Chirac devoted herself to supporting families facing similar fates and became involved in various charitable organizations.
After her husband’s death in 2019, Bernadette Chirac largely withdrew from public life. Her last public appearances date back to 2018, before she withdrew from political life. Nevertheless, her influence on French politics and society remained palpable.
President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Bernadette Chirac, calling her a “great lady” who “changed the fate of millions of patients through her commitment.” He expressed his deep sadness at her death and highlighted her lasting influence on French society.
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