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Former French first lady dies at 93: Bernadette Chirac, a 'discreet force'

Bernadette Chirac, the steel-willed former first lady of France who spent 12 years at the Élysée Palace from 1995 to 2007 beside president Jacques Chirac, has passed away at the age of 93.

Editorial StaffJune 6, 20261 min read

Served as first lady from 1995 to 2007.

Known for her political influence in rural Corrèze.

Advocated for children's healthcare initiatives.

Updates

Update at 14:37 UTC on 2026-06-06

France 24 reported Bernadette Chirac, the steel-willed former first lady of France who spent 12 years at the Élysée Palace from 1995 to 2007 beside President Jacques Chirac – weathering his notorious infidelities with dry humor while building her own politica.

Sources: France 24