Jane Birkin, the British-born singer and actor, whose timeless style made her an iconic figure in France, has passed away at the age of 76, as confirmed by a trusted source on Sunday.
Struggling with health issues during the past years, Birkin had to make the difficult decision of canceling concerts, a testament to her dedication and love for performing.
Jane Birkin’s passing has left questions unanswered, as the exact cause of her death is not yet known. A nursing assistant discovered her lifeless body at her home in Paris on Sunday, according to information provided by a police source.
With no signs of foul play on Jane Birkin’s body or in her apartment, the source confirmed that there would be no investigation opened in connection with her death.
At present, there has been no official confirmation of Jane Birkin’s death from her agent or family.
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Through her turbulent love affair with the iconic singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg and her delightful heavily accented French, Jane Birkin rose to fame, leaving an indelible mark on her adopted country.
In the 1970s, Jane Birkin epitomised the ultimate ‘It girl’ with her signature flared jeans, mini dresses, and iconic fringe, setting trends and capturing hearts worldwide.
In 1984, Hermes paid homage to her by naming one of their handbags after her. This decision came about after she expressed her desire for a leather bag that could accommodate all her needs as a young mother, making her a true inspiration in the fashion world.
The luxury brand in their remark eulogised Birkin as ‘a dear and intimate friend’ who was endowed with a ‘great humanity.’
The Birkin handbag’s skyrocketing price and extraordinary demand turned it into a prestigious and highly sought-after status symbol, admired by those with a taste for luxury.
With an actor and a naval officer as her parents, Birkin wedded James Bond composer John Barry, and their union brought forth a daughter named Kate. However, their marriage came to an end after three years.
After crossing paths with Serge Gainsbourg on the set of a romantic comedy, where he was her co-star, Jane Birkin made the life-changing decision to relocate to France.
Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg’s relationship led to the birth of their daughter, Charlotte, who went on to achieve tremendous success as both an actor and a singer.
The musical and romantic bond between Gainsbourg and Birkin was marked by its tempestuous nature with intense emotions and passionate interactions.
One of their fiery disagreements led to a dramatic scene where Jane Birkin hurled a custard pie at Serge Gainsbourg before shockingly plunging herself into the River Seine.
Over the course of her impressive filmography of around 70 movies, she had the privilege of working with esteemed directors such as Bertrand Tavernier, Jean-Luc Godard, Alain Resnais, James Ivory, and Agnes Varda.