Paris – 06.06.2026: Bernadette Chirac, the widow of former French President Jacques Chirac, passed away on June 5, 2026 at the age of 93. Her daughter, Claude Chirac, confirmed the death to the press agency AFP on Saturday morning. Bernadette Chirac, born Bernadette Chodron de Courcel on May 18, 1933 in Paris, grew up in a wealthy family and studied at the renowned Sciences Po. There she met Jacques Chirac, whom she married in 1956. Together they followed his political career, which took them from the administration of Paris through the ministry to the presidency. During that time, Bernadette Chirac remained a constant support and significantly shaped her husband’s public image.
As First Lady from 1995 to 2007, she not only fulfilled representative tasks but also actively engaged in social projects. She became especially known for her leadership of the foundation Hôpitaux de Paris-Hôpitaux de France, which is committed to improving conditions in children’s hospitals. Her initiative “Opération Pièces Jaunes” collected substantial donations over the years and contributed to the modernization of numerous facilities.
Bernadette Chirac was the only First Lady of the Fifth Republic to hold her own political mandate. From 1979 to 2015, she was continuously a general councilor of the department Corrèze and significantly influenced local politics. Her political career in Corrèze began in 1979, when she was first elected to the general council. She was appreciated for her pragmatism and tireless dedication to the region.
In addition to her political involvement, Bernadette Chirac was also known for her sharp humor and independence. She did not hesitate to express her opinion and often acted as an independent personality who went beyond the traditional role of First Lady. Her openness and directness made her a respected figure among the French public.
The Chirac family was struck by personal tragedies, especially by the death of their daughter Laurence in 2016, who suffered for a long time from a serious eating disorder. After the death of her daughter, Bernadette Chirac increasingly devoted herself to supporting families with similar fates and was involved in various charitable organizations.
After the death of her husband in 2019, Bernadette Chirac largely withdrew from the public eye. Her last public appearances took place in 2018 before she retired from political life. Nevertheless, her influence on French politics and society remained tangible.
President Emmanuel Macron honored Bernadette Chirac as a “great lady” who “changed the fate of millions of patients through her commitment.” He expressed his deep sorrow over her death and emphasized her lasting impact on French society.
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