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.
Bernadette Chirac, the former first lady of France and wife of President Jacques Chirac, has died at age 93. She was known for her political influence and cultivated her own power base during her time at the Élysée Palace.

The death of Bernadette Chirac marks the end of an era for French politics, as she was a significant figure in her own right and a key presence during her husband's presidency.
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.
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