Bernadette Chirac, formidable former first lady of France who built power of her own, dies at 93

AI Summary

Bernadette Chirac, widow of former French president Jacques Chirac and a significant political figure in her own right, died at age 93 on June 6, 2026. Beyond her role as first lady, she carved out an independent political career as an elected official in Corrèze and became widely known for founding the Pièces jaunes charitable initiative. She is remembered for her dignified endurance of her husband's infidelities and her evolution from a classical political spouse into a respected public figure.