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 political power base in rural France – has died. She was 93. FRANCE 24's Philip Turle breaks down her legacy.

Née Bernadette Chodron de Courcel, la veuve de l'ancien président Jacques Chirac est décédé vendredi soir

PARIS -- Bernadette Chirac, the widow of former French president Jacques Chirac, passed away on Friday evening at the age of 93, French media reported Saturday.