An iconic singer and actress who became a global sensation in the late 1960s and 70s has passed away following an unexpected diagnosis.
Jane Birkin was a British superstar who died at her home in Paris, France, at the age of 76 after succumbing to her battle with leukemia.
According to a family friend, the iconic actress, who appeared in a series of cult movies like Blow-Up, was found dead by her caregiver.
Previously, Birkin revealed that her cancer was “not very painful” even though it forced her to take a step back in her career in the entertainment industry.
Back in 2021, the actress, who was born in London, also suffered a major stroke resulting in the cancellation of all of her upcoming concerts.
While Birkin managed to add as many as 95 acting credits to her name throughout her five-decade career, she was arguably best known for her music hits and her longtime relationship with French singer Serge Gainsbourg.
In 1968, she became recognized globally after singing the controversial song ‘Je T’aime… Moi Non Plus’ in duet with her lover.
The raunchy song quickly made headlines and gained the singer the status of a s*x symbol, whereas the hit itself was banned in a number of countries and condemned by the Vatican for its “vulgar” nature.
“He and I became the most famous of couples in that strange way because of Je t’aime and because we stuck together for 13 years and he went on being my friend until the day he died. Who could ask for more?” Birkin previously said of her relationship with Gainsbourg in an interview with CNN.
“So Paris became my home. I’ve been adopted here. They like my accent.”
Before her relationship with the French singer, at the age of 18, Birkin married James Bond composer John Barry. During their short-lived marriage, the actress welcomed daughter Kate.
Five years later, Birkin was together with Gainsbourg in a relationship often described as tempestuous. The pair welcomed one child, daughter Charlotte.
After their relationship came to an end, the actress tied the knot with Jacques Doillon and went on to give birth to her third daughter, Lou.
Following Birkin’s death, tributes to the iconic actress and singer have begun pouring in.
“Because she embodied freedom, because she sang the most beautiful words of our language, Jane Birkin was a French icon. A complete artist, her voice was as sweet as her engagements were fiery. She bequeaths us tunes and images that will never leave us,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.
“Jane B was mischief, impertinent elegance, the never-outdated emblem of an entire era, a murmuring voice that remains our idol,” Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak added. “A woman of heart, committed, whose disappearance leaves us Alone In Babylone.”
Our thoughts are with Jane’s loved ones during this challenging time.