Bernadette Chirac Passed Away: A Look Back at Her Political Engagement and Charitable Work

Paris – 06.06.2026: Bernadette Chirac, the wife of former French President Jacques Chirac, passed away on June 6, 2026, at the age of 93. This was confirmed by her daughter Claude Chirac. Bernadette was born on May 18, 1933, in Paris. She came from an aristocratic family, studied political science at the prestigious Sciences Po, and married Jacques Chirac in 1956. Together they had two daughters, Laurence (1958–2016) and Claude (born 1962).

Bernadette Chirac was politically active for decades, especially in the Corrèze region, a traditional stronghold of her family. In 1971, she was first elected to the municipal council of Sarran, a commune in Corrèze, and held this office until 2020. Moreover, in 1979 she became the first woman elected to the General Council of Corrèze. There she vigorously advocated for the region’s concerns and was re-elected multiple times. Her influence on local politics was considerable and contributed to the development of the rural area.

Alongside her political involvement, Bernadette Chirac was deeply committed to social projects. In 1994, she took over the leadership of the “Fondation Hôpitaux de Paris-Hôpitaux de France.” Under her presidency, the foundation organized the fundraising campaign “Pièces jaunes,” dedicated to supporting sick children in French hospitals. The foundation gained enormous significance under her leadership and financed numerous projects to improve medical care for young patients. In 2007, she additionally assumed the presidency of the “Fondation Claude-Pompidou,” which is also dedicated to social causes.

As First Lady of France from 1995 to 2007, Bernadette Chirac played an important public role. She supported her husband’s political career and was involved in numerous social and cultural initiatives. At official events, she was a prominent figure and used her reputation to advocate for charitable causes.

Following her husband’s death in 2019, Bernadette Chirac gradually withdrew from public life. Her last notable public appearance was in 2018, shortly before stepping down from the leadership of the Fondation Hôpitaux de Paris-Hôpitaux de France in 2019. Her life’s work is marked by her political commitment, especially in Corrèze, and her lasting contributions to the welfare sector.

Bernadette Chirac leaves behind a significant legacy in French politics and charitable work. Her dedication to children in hospitals as well as her contribution to local politics continue to be appreciated. The family requests respect for privacy at this difficult time.