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 news 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 prestigious Sciences Po. There she met Jacques Chirac, whom she married in 1956. Together, they accompanied his political career, which took him from the Paris city administration through the Ministry to the presidency. During this 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 took on representative duties but was also actively involved in social projects. She became especially well-known through 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 significant 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 office. From 1979 to 2015, she served continuously as General Councillor of the department of Corrèze, significantly shaping local politics. Her political career in Corrèze began in 1979 when she was first elected to the General Council. She was appreciated for her down-to-earth nature and tireless commitment to the region.
Besides her political engagement, Bernadette Chirac was also known for her sharp wit and independence. She was unafraid to express her opinion and often appeared as an autonomous personality who went beyond the traditional role of First Lady. Her openness and directness made her a respected figure in the French public.
The Chirac family was shaken by personal tragedies, especially by the death of their daughter Laurence in 2016, who suffered for a long time from a severe eating disorder. After her daughter’s death, Bernadette Chirac increasingly committed herself to supporting families with similar fates and became involved in various charitable organizations.
After the death of her husband in 2019, Bernadette Chirac largely withdrew from public life. Her last public appearances took place in 2018 before she retired from political life. Nevertheless, her influence on French politics and society remained noticeable.
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.