Key facts
- Bernadette Chirac, former first lady of France, has died at age 93.
- She was married to President Jacques Chirac for over 50 years.
- She spent 12 years at the Élysée Palace from 1995 to 2007.
- She cultivated her own political power base in rural France.
- President Emmanuel Macron confirmed her death.
Bernadette Chirac, the steel-willed former first lady of France and wife of President Jacques Chirac, has died at the age of 93. She spent 12 years at the Élysée Palace from 1995 to 2007. During her time as first lady, she weathered her husband's infidelities with dry humour while building her own political power base in rural France. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed her death on Saturday, stating that he and his wife Brigitte had learned of the passing of a woman who marked French history.