Bernadette Chirac, former French first lady, dies at 93

Bernadette Chirac, the wife of former French President Jacques Chirac, has died at the age of 93. She stood by her husband's side for 12 years as France's first lady, a period during which she also cultivated her own distinct, albeit discreet, political presence.

“

She is the woman of my life, we have accomplished so much together

Known for her quiet demeanor, traditional Roman Catholic faith, and impeccable style, Bernadette dedicated herself to her husband's career from the time they married when she was 22. Jacques Chirac, who served as president from 1995 to 2007, died in 2019 at age 86. He fondly wrote in his 2012 memoirs that she was "the woman of my life, we have accomplished so much together."

President Emmanuel Macron stated that Bernadette Chirac "changed so many lives with discretion and determination" and "left her mark on our history." Nicolas Sarkozy, Chirac's successor and protégé, expressed a "deep nostalgia," noting that "an era comes to an end with her passing."

“

She changed so many lives with discretion and determination and 'left her mark on our history'

The couple met at Sciences Po in 1954 and married two years later. The union was considered a mismatch by some, as Bernadette hailed from the aristocratic Chodron de Courcel family, while Jacques was seen as less refined. Their marriage, which produced two daughters, faced challenges, including Chirac's public acknowledgment of his affairs. Bernadette spoke candidly in her 2001 book "Conversation" about her Catholic faith, opposition to abortion, and the strain infidelity could place on a family.

“

An era comes to an end with her passing. I feel, like so many French people, a deep nostalgia

She described her role as a "wagon" to her husband's "engine," while he affectionately called her a "turtle." Despite this, she was considered an electoral asset, her engaging personality and charity work for sick children enhancing her image and reassuring conservative voters. Her composed demeanor and elegant appearance also made her an icon. A film about her years as first lady, titled "Bernadette," was released in 2023, starring Catherine Deneuve. She also served as a long-time elected councilor.

“

Nowadays at the first difficulty people just give up. But as far as I was concerned, I hesitated because I had children, and also because I was the prisoner of certain family traditions.