Renowned British singer and actress Jane Birkin, who achieved fame in France, has passed away at the age of 76, CNN reports.
Birkin spent nearly 60 years in the spotlight in her adopted home country, France, where she relocated at the age of 20 without speaking the French language. Affectionately known as France's favorite "anglaise," she rose to fame after falling in love with French actor and singer Serge Gainsbourg shortly after her arrival in Paris. The couple garnered widespread public fascination despite their significant age difference, and their collaboration on the sultry duet "Je t'aime... moi non plus" led to its ban in several countries due to explicit lyrics.
President Emmanuel Macron described Birkin as a French icon, highlighting her embodiment of freedom and her ability to sing the most beautiful words in the French language. While her relationship with Gainsbourg brought her household recognition, Birkin also gained fame in her own right and became a fashion icon in France, despite her British background. She served as the inspiration behind the renowned Birkin bag by the French luxury brand Hermes. Birkin's daughter, Lou Doillon, explained that her mother represented a distinct Parisian style despite not being French herself.
The cause of Birkin's death is yet to be known, but she had been in poor health in recent years and suffered a stroke in 2021. One of her final public appearances was at the premiere of the documentary "Jane by Charlotte," which explored her relationship with her daughter Charlotte. Birkin is survived by her daughters Lou Doillon and actress Charlotte Gainsbourg, whom she had with Serge Gainsbourg. Another daughter, Kate Barry, passed away in 2013 at the age of 46.
In addition to her music and acting career, Birkin made a name for herself in French cinema, starring in over 70 films and working with esteemed directors such as Jean-Luc Godard, Agnes Varda, and Bertrand Tavernier. Notable movies she appeared in include "Blow-Up" (1966), "La Piscine" (The Swimming Pool) in 1969, and "Death on the Nile" (1978). Despite the end of her tumultuous relationship with Gainsbourg in 1981, they remained on good terms and continued to collaborate on artistic projects.
Birkin also had a successful music career, releasing several albums in the French language. Her most recent album, "Oh! Pardon tu dormais," was released in 2020 and delved into the tragedy of her first daughter Kate's death.
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