France, June 6 -- French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed her death on Saturday, saying he and his wife Brigitte had learned with "great sadness" of the passing of a woman who had helped shape French public life and improved the lives of millions of patients through her charitable work.

In a post on X, Macron wrote: "Bernadette Chirac changed so many lives with discretion and obstinacy. A great lady of the heart has departed."

For more than half a century, Chirac was the fixed point in her husband's restless ascent through French politics - from Parliament to two terms as prime minister, 18 years as mayor of Paris and, in 1995, the presidency.

In official photographs, she appeared with her chin lifted, blond hair immaculately set, h...