French singer-songwriter Françoise Hardy, who represented Monaco at the 1963 Eurovision Song Contest, passed away at 80.
Emerging as a key figure in 1960s pop culture, Hardy also graced the fashion world, modeling for top designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Paco Rabanne.
Her son, Thomas Dutronc, shared the news of her passing.
Hardy’s journey to stardom began with her 1962 hit debut single, “Tous Les Garçons Et Les Filles” (All The Boys and Girls), where she expressed the longing of solitary youth. Her talent and charm captivated Bob Dylan, who penned love letters to her and dedicated a poem to her on the back of his 1964 album, “Another Side of Bob Dylan.”
Representing Monaco at the 1963 Eurovision Song Contest, Hardy performed “L’amour s’en va” (Love Flies Away). The contest, held in London, saw Hardy deliver a poignant and elegant performance, which earned her fifth place. Her involvement in Eurovision significantly boosted her international profile. Despite the competitive nature of Eurovision, Hardy’s performance stood out for its emotional depth and the sincerity she brought to the stage.
She returned to the music scene exploring genres like funk, disco, and electronic pop all through the years, with a darker, contemporary rock exploration in the nineties. She continued to release music, culminating with her 2018 album “Personne D’Autre.”
Hardy was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer in 2004 and endured extensive radiotherapy and various treatments over the years. Her health took a severe downturn in 2015, leading to a brief period in an induced coma. She has since struggled with significant complications. She is survived by her ex husband Jacques Dutronc and their son, Thomas.
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