Françoise Hardy: Iconic singer and euthanasia advocate dies at 80

Actress, singer, and 60s star Françoise Hardy passed away at 80. She had been battling various cancers for years. She called the fact that euthanasia is not allowed in France cruel.

Her family announced Françoise Hardy's death. Her son, Thomas Dutronc, posted a short message on social media: "Mom is gone." The actress was diagnosed with MALT lymphoma between late 2004 and early 2005, which, as she commented, started a "hellish time" in her life. She underwent chemotherapy, which was successful but only for a few years. In 2015, Hardy's health significantly deteriorated. She was admitted to the hospital, where she was put into a coma. "I am isolated and very hindered by the disease. More than ten years ago, I was diagnosed with lymphoma, but recently it has gotten worse. Sometimes I don't see anyone; I don't go out. But I try to stay positive, living day by day," she said in an interview with "Le Figaro."

The actress's health deteriorated again in 2021, which is when she began speaking publicly about the importance of legalising assisted suicide in France. She openly stated that she would want to undergo euthanasia if her condition worsened.

"I can cook for myself. As long as I can do that, it's okay. But if it gets worse, if I am weakened to the point where I can't do anything for myself, I would seriously consider euthanasia. I cannot just wait for death. I can't live. I can't do anything that is essential in life," she said in one of the interviews.

Over the years, Hardy was diagnosed with ear cancer, and intensive treatment caused her excruciating pain. She couldn't swallow, and most notably, she could no longer sing. "My suffering is so immense that I fear death will bring even greater suffering," she said.

She called France, which has not legalised euthanasia, an inhumane country. "It's not about doctors consenting to every such request, but about shortening unnecessary suffering in incurable diseases when it becomes unbearable," she commented.

Hardy passed away on 11 June 2024, from laryngeal cancer. She was an actress known for productions such as "Grand Prix," "Nutty, Naughty Chateau," and "What's New Pussycat?". In France, she was primarily a music icon. She began her global career at the age of 18. Her first and biggest hit was the song "Tous les Garcons et les Filles". She recorded with the biggest names in French pop culture but also made a name for herself in the UK and the USA. Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan were photographed with her. A fascinating film about her life will surely be made one day.