Legendary French actor and singer Jane Birkin has passed away at the age of 76.
The New York Times confirmed that Jane died on Sunday after Le Parisien reported that she was found dead in her home in Paris.
French President Emmanuel Macron also confirmed the news on Twitter. “Because she embodied freedom, because she sang the most beautiful words of our language, Jane Birkin was a French icon,” he wrote. “A complete artist, her voice was as sweet as her engagements were fiery. She bequeaths us tunes and images that will never leave us.”
Jane was a prolific actor who worked with acclaimed directors like Michelangelo Antonioni, Jacques Rivette, and Agnès Varda.
She also had a decade-long relationship with musical collaborator and late songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. The couple had one child together, the musician and actor Charlotte Gainsbourg, in 1971.
Jane also inspired Hermés’ “Birkin bag,” which was created in 1984 after an encounter between her and former Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight.
You can read more about the Birkin bag, as well as how Jane herself played a role in the iconic fashion item’s creation, here — and condolences to Jane’s family and loved ones.
