French Former First Lady Bernadette Chirac Dies at 93
Bernadette Chirac died on June 6 2026 at age 93. She was the wife of former French President Jacques Chirac.
Her daughter Claude told news agency AFP about the death. French President Emmanuel Macron called her 'a great lady of the heart.' She served as France's first lady for 12 years.
She was a key force behind Jacques Chirac's rise in politics. She also held elected office as a local councillor for the Corrèze region.
Jacques Chirac served twice as prime minister. He was also mayor of Paris for 18 years. He then served two terms as president of France.
Klear Note — Jacques Chirac was a major French political leader. He served as Paris mayor and president. Bernadette was influential in his political career.
Key Terms 3
- AFP Agence France-Presse — a major French news agency
- councillor An elected official who helps run a local area or region
- Corrèze A rural region in central France