French singer and 60s icon Françoise Hardy has died aged 80.
Hardy's son, musician Thomas Dutronc, announced her death on Instagram on Tuesday, writing “Maman est partie” along with a throwback photo.
Hardy was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer in 2004 and underwent treatment, initially successfully. After her condition worsened in 2015, she was placed in an induced coma in hospital before undergoing further cancer treatment. After her condition deteriorated again in 2021, she became a vocal supporter of legalizing euthanasia in France.
The star began her singing career in 1961 when she signed with the record label Disques Vogue. She got her first break the following year with “Tous les garçons et les filles” and followed it up with other hits such as “Je Suis D'Accord”, “Le Temps de L'Amour”, “All Over the World” (her only UK Top 20 hit) and “Comment te Dire Adieu”, written with Serge Gainsbourg.
She has released over 30 albums throughout her career, culminating in 2018's Personne d'autre.
Hardy, who came fifth for Monaco in the 1963 Eurovision Song Contest, was worshipped by idols of the 60s, including Mick Jagger, who called her his “dream woman”, and Bob Dylan, who wrote her several love letters.
Outside of music, Hardy has also been a fashion muse for the likes of Yves Saint Laurent and Paco Rabanne, and has worked as an actress in films such as Grand Prix, Castle of Suede and Jean-Luc Godard's Masculine Feminine.
The late star married French singer-songwriter Jacques Dutronc in 1981 but they separated in 1988.
She is survived by him and her son, Thomas.