Bernadette Chirac's Death: Hillary Clinton Pays Homage to Her 'Role Model' Live on 'C à vous'

Hillary Clinton expressed deep sadness following the death of Bernadette Chirac, the former French First Lady and wife of ex-President Jacques Chirac. Clinton, who was herself First Lady of the United States during the Chiracs' time in office, shared her memories and admiration for Chirac during a live appearance on the French television program "C à vous."

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I was very sad to learn that she had passed away. I knew her when I was First Lady. Our husbands worked closely together.

Clinton described Chirac as someone she knew when their husbands worked closely together. She lauded Chirac's dedication to politics and her service to France, particularly highlighting Chirac's work with children in hospitals, a cause close to Clinton's own heart. "There were so many things I admired about her. She was interested in politics and like me, she served her country, as an apolitical figure in Corrèze," Clinton stated.

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There were so many things I admired about her. She was interested in politics and like me, she served her country, as an apolitical figure in Corrèze. She was very engaged also in helping children in hospitals, something that was important for me too.

Beyond her public service, Clinton also cherished the personal time spent with Chirac, remembering her as "very funny" with a "good sense of humor." She appreciated Chirac's clear-eyed perspective on the political life of a president's wife. Clinton recounted a visit to Corrèze in 1998 with Chirac, recalling it as a fun experience where Chirac introduced her to many constituents.

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I really appreciated the personal time I spent with her. She was very funny, she had a good sense of humor. Very lucid about political life as the wife of a president, which I had greatly appreciated.

Clinton revealed that Chirac's example influenced her own political career. "I wasn't doing apolitical work in 1998. But the following year, I decided to run as a senator for the state of New York, and one of the people who came to mind was Bernadette," she explained. Later, when Clinton ran for president, Chirac called to offer her support. "I really had a true connection with her. I adored and admired her. She was a true role model for me. She was a friend whom I respected for who she was," Clinton concluded.

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We had a lot of fun. She took me around the city to talk to constituents, I met many people she worked with and who had elected her. She inspired me.