- Bernard d’Ormale, husband of Brigitte Bardot for 33 years, describes her final hours at La Madrague.
- Bardot suffered cancer and severe back pain, alternating between hospital and home in recent months.
- She died on December 28 at age 91, whispering her pet name “Pioupiou” to her husband before passing.
- Her funeral was set for January 7 at Notre‑Dame de l’Assomption in Saint‑Tropez; she will be buried at the town’s marine cemetery.
Bernard d’Ormale speaks from La Madrague
Bernard d’Ormale, Brigitte Bardot’s husband of 33 years, has spoken publicly about the actress’s last days and the moment she died. In an interview with Paris Match, he described an intimate scene at their home in Saint‑Tropez — the famous La Madrague — where Bardot spent her final weeks surrounded by family, friends, and her animals.
Final months marked by illness and pain
According to d’Ormale, Bardot had undergone two operations to treat cancer and suffered from debilitating back pain. Those physical struggles left her exhausted and, at times, longing for peace. “She said, ‘I’ve had enough, I want to go,’” he recalled, noting that her will to live waned during the most painful episodes.
D’Ormale stayed at her side constantly, supported by discreet nurses who visited daily. The couple alternated between hospital stays and returns to La Madrague, where Bardot preferred the company of her dogs and cats and the comfort of home.
The last morning: a whisper of ‘Pioupiou’
D’Ormale described the final morning — December 28 — when Bardot passed away just before six o’clock. He remembered waking and hearing her murmur “Pioupiou,” the private pet name they used for each other. “I was sleeping with one eye open next to her. I sat up when I heard her say ‘Pioupiou,’ and then it was over,” he said. He added that a sense of calm had settled on her face: “She became extremely beautiful again, as in her youth. One would not have said she was 91.”
Small rituals, lasting memories
In the months before her death, the simple rituals of daily life became precious memories for d’Ormale. He spoke of serving her favorite breakfast and watching her take a teatime treat — “like a child,” he said — a milk tea and a croissant she cherished.
Funeral arrangements in Saint‑Tropez
Brigitte Bardot’s funeral was scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, with a religious ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Notre‑Dame de l’Assomption in Saint‑Tropez. She will be laid to rest in the family vault at the town’s marine cemetery, facing the sea.
Surrounded by friends, family, and admirers, Bernard d’Ormale prepared to say his formal goodbyes. In his interview, he also expressed that Bardot’s legacy and love for animals should guide any tributes — a final wish he has emphasized in public comments since her death.
Image Referance: https://www.parismatch.com/People/elle-ma-appele-pioupiou-et-puis-cetait-fini-les-derniers-instants-de-brigitte-bardot-racontes-par-son-mari-262529
