French stars join President Macron as mourners gather for Jane Birkin's funeral
The stars have come out to pay their respects at the funeral of Jane Birkin in Paris as the world bids farewell to the British and French icon.
President Macron, actress Vanessa Paradis and close friend Catherine Deneuve are leading a large group of mourners today.
Much-loved Jane, who lent her name to the Hermes Birkin designer handbag, was found at home by her caregiver earlier this month. She was 76.
The singer and actress died on her first night alone for almost two years as she tried to regain her independence while fighting cancer.
The London-born star was involved in ‘a fierce battle’ against the disease in her adopted home of France, but wanted to get back to a normal life.
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The 76-year-old was found at her home earlier this month (AFP via Getty Images)Crowds have gathered to say goodbye, with the ceremony being held at Saint-Roch church in Paris.
The President and his wife Brigitte Macron are attending as the nation remembers the legendary 76-year-old.
Following her sad death, he said: “Because she embodied freedom, because she sang the most beautiful words of our language, Jane Birkin was a French icon.“
Her family and friends gather to say goodbye (AFP via Getty Images)Among the mourners today are singer Vanessa Paradis and her husband, French director Samuel Benchetrit.
Downcast Vanessa, the ex-partner of American actor Johnny Depp, kept a low profile donning a straw hat, shades and a black blazer for the sombre occasion.
French actress Nicole Calfan was also seen at the ceremony, as well as French singer Benjamin Biolay, Alain Souchon and his son Pierre Souchon.
Jane's daughter Lou Doillon puts on a brave face as she talks to a priest (AP)Famous actors including Spanish-French star José Garcia and Sandrine Kiberlain also attended to say goodbye.
A statement released by her family following her death read: “Jane Birkin passed away after 16 years of a fierce battle with illness.
“Since her stroke in September 2021, her family and wonderful caregivers had been by her side day and night.
French President Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte arrive (AP)“For a few days, she had been walking again, and was motivated by rescheduling her Olympia performance.
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“The first evening alone turned out to be her last. She had decided it.”
The statement, which confirmed death by ‘natural causes’, was released by Ms Birkin’s manager, Olivier Gluzman, on behalf of her daughters, Charlotte Gainsbourg, 51, and Lou Doillon, 40.
Ms Birkin had described her leukaemia – which she was diagnosed with in 1998 – as a ‘not very painful cancer,’ but in May she cancelled a serious of concerts when it got worse.
Samuel Benchetrit and Vanessa Paradis were among the mourners (AP)She said at the time: “I have always been a great optimist, and I realise that I still need a little time to be able again on stage and with you.“
Her daughter, Kate Barry, a photographer, died in 2013. Jane Birkin opened up about the loss on her 2020 album, Oh! Pardon tu dormais.
Her two younger daughters, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon, both actresses, models and singers, survive her.
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