Bernadette Chirac facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernadette Chirac
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Chirac in 2009
|
|
| Spouse of the President of France | |
| In role 17 May 1995 – 16 May 2007 |
|
| President | Jacques Chirac |
| Preceded by | Danielle Mitterrand |
| Succeeded by | Cécilia Sarkozy |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Bernadette Thérèse Marie Chodron de Courcel
18 May 1933 Paris, France |
| Died | 5 June 2026 (aged 93) Paris, France |
| Political party | Les Republicains |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3, including Claude Chirac and Anh Dao Traxel |
Bernadette Chirac (born Bernadette Thérèse Marie Chodron de Courcel on May 18, 1933, and passed away on June 5, 2026) was an important French politician. She was also the wife of Jacques Chirac, who served as the President of France. Bernadette Chirac was well-known for her work with the charity Opération Pièces jaunes, which she led from 1994 to 2019.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Bernadette Thérèse Chodron de Courcel was born in Paris, France, on May 18, 1933. She came from a well-off family. She attended a famous school called Sciences Po. There, in 1951, she met Jacques Chirac. They got married in 1956. Bernadette left college to support Jacques as he continued his studies at another important school. Later, in 1972, she decided to study archaeology, showing her interest in history and ancient cultures.
A Career in Public Service
Bernadette Chirac dedicated many years to public service, both in politics and through charity work.
Working in Politics
In 1971, Bernadette Chirac began her political career. She was elected as a local councilor in a town called Sarran. She then served as a general councilor in the region of Corrèze from 1979 until 2015. She made history by becoming the first woman to hold a councilor position in Corrèze. Her husband, Jacques Chirac, became the President of France in 1995. Bernadette continued to be involved in public life and supported various causes.
Helping Others Through Charity
One of Bernadette Chirac's most significant contributions was her work with Opération Pièces jaunes. This charity helps children in hospitals. She led the organization from 1994 to 2019. In 2019, she became its honorary president and passed on the leadership to Brigitte Macron.
Starting in the 1980s, Bernadette Chirac also worked to raise money for research into health challenges faced by young people. With her support, a special clinic called Maison de Solenn was opened in 2004. This clinic helps young people who are dealing with various health issues.
Personal Life and Family
Bernadette Chirac came from a family with a long history. On her mother's side, she was a descendant of Samuel Bernard, a famous banker who worked for King Louis XIV of France.
Bernadette and Jacques Chirac had two daughters. Their daughter, Claude Chirac, later became an adviser to her father, Jacques, helping him with his public image and political work. Their other daughter, Laurence, faced serious health challenges and sadly passed away in 2016.
In 2016, Jacques Chirac was hospitalized for a lung infection. Bernadette Chirac also needed to rest in the hospital that year because she was very tired after Laurence's death and Jacques's illness. She made her last public appearance in 2018. This was when a street in Brive-la-Gaillarde was named in honor of both her and Jacques. Jacques Chirac passed away in 2019. Due to her own health, Bernadette was unable to attend his state funeral. Bernadette Chirac passed away on June 5, 2026.
Honours and Awards
Bernadette Chirac received several important awards and honors during her lifetime:
Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III (
Spain)
Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit (
Norway)
Medal of Pushkin (
Russia)
Knight of the Order of the Smile (
Poland)
Officier of the Legion of Honour (
France)
See also
In Spanish: Bernadette Chirac para niños
