The world of music and entertainment is in mourning following the passing of singer and actress Jane Birkin at the age of 76, as confirmed by French media. Birkin, a distinguished English-French star, will be remembered for her remarkable professional and personal connection with musician Serge Gainsbourg. In the late 1960s and 1970s, she graced the world stage as a true style icon. Though born in London, Birkin discovered her passion for singing in French, eventually making the decision to relocate to France in the 1970s.
According to reports from French media, Birkin was found lifeless at her residence in Paris. It was her captivating bond with Gainsbourg that propelled her to international fame, particularly with the release of their hit duet “Je t’aime… moi non plus” in 1968, recorded just months after their initial meeting on the set of the film “Slogan.”
The song, notorious for its explicit lyrics, faced bans on radio stations in multiple countries and condemnation from the Vatican. However, it also introduced Birkin and Gainsbourg to a new global audience. Birkin and Gainsbourg, despite their eventual separation, remained friends after their 12-year relationship. Gainsbourg, who was 18 years her senior, continued to write songs for Birkin until his passing in 1991. Together, they raised their daughter Charlotte Gainsbourg, who has since achieved great success as both an actress and singer.
Their relationship, often described as “tumultuous,” was marked by instances of violence, as revealed by Birkin in her 2020 diaries. Nevertheless, she staunchly defended Gainsbourg against accusations of harassment made by another singer in a 2020 interview with The Times. Reflecting on their unconventional lifestyle, Birkin acknowledged the challenges faced by their children, stating, “I don’t know how easy it was for the children to have a mother who was naked in magazines and a father burning 500 franc notes. I hope one did some things right.”
Following their split in 1981, Birkin pursued her acting and singing career, releasing notable albums such as “Baby Alone in Babylone” in 1983 and “Amour des Feintes” in 1990. Prior to her move to France and her relationship with Gainsbourg, she was married to British composer John Barry until the late 1960s.
Tragically, Birkin experienced the loss of her daughter Kate Barry, a renowned fashion photographer who worked for Vogue, in 2013 at the age of 46. Additionally, from her relationship with French film director Jacques Doillon in the 1980s, Birkin welcomed another daughter, Lou Doillon, who has since made a name for herself as a musician, model, and actress. Birkin’s acting credits include notable films such as the 1966 classic “Blow Up,” “Death on the Nile” (1978), and “Evil Under the Sun” (1982). She also showcased her songwriting abilities with her self-penned album “Arabesque” in 2002 and a collection of live recordings titled “Jane at the Palace” in 2009.
Birkin’s influence extended beyond her artistic endeavors. Recognized as a fashion trendsetter, she became synonymous with style, inspiring the creation of the iconic Birkin handbag, which was brought to life by Hermes. Menna Rawlings, the British ambassador to France, paid tribute to her on Twitter, describing her as “the most French of British artists.” French Culture Minister Roselyne Bachelot expressed her sadness during an interview with the French TV station BFM, stating, “This departure is so sad. She was a beautiful person.” In September 2021, it was reported that Birkin had suffered a stroke, forcing her to cancel a planned appearance at an American film festival.