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, has died at 93.

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.