Nathalie Baye, like Catherine Laborde, succumbed to Lewy body disease, a neurodegenerative condition she had been battling for several years. On Friday, April 24, 2026, her loved ones will be able to pay their final respects during her funeral, which will be held at 10 am at the Saint-Sulpice church in Paris. Laura Smet, the actress’s only daughter, will of course be present to accompany her mother to her final resting place. A moment of deep sadness and reflection that unfortunately will remind her of the burial of her father, Johnny Hallyday, who passed away in 2017.
But will the aftermath unfold in the same way? Indeed, after her father’s death, the 42-year-old actress and singer had to fight to have a say in her famous father’s monumental inheritance. A relentless battle waged against her stepmother Laeticia Hallyday, who, to everyone’s surprise, was entrusted with the entirety of the singer’s estate and artist rights.
Context: Nathalie Baye’s battle for her daughter Laura Smet’s inheritance after Johnny Hallyday’s death.
Fact Check: Laura Smet and David Hallyday, children of Johnny Hallyday, were embroiled in a legal battle over their father’s inheritance.
Nathalie Baye, a Protective Mother to the End
Powerless, Nathalie Baye could only watch as her daughter was disinherited. David Hallyday, Laura Smet’s half-brother, also disinherited, joined his sister in the legal battle at the time as a co-plaintiff. To avoid any misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict, Nathalie Baye made sure to handle everything by the book before her passing. Dominique Besnehard, a close friend of Nathalie Baye and Laura Smet’s godfather, was on the set of C à Vous on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to discuss the precautions taken by the actress. “Nathalie has always been there to protect her,” he assured.
According to information from the magazine Closer, Nathalie Baye put in place various measures to prevent any inheritance conflicts with her daughter. Initially, her continued residence in France ensured Laura Smet’s status as a reserved heir. Additionally, she took the time to draft an authentic will and subscribe to personal life insurance policies to avoid any administrative hurdles.
Nathalie Baye Carefully Prepared Her Succession
Thanks to all these precautions, the succession of the 77-year-old actress should proceed smoothly and securely. A relief for Laura Smet, who could have faced more challenges with her famous mother’s blended family. Unlike Johnny Hallyday, who made his will under American laws, Nathalie Baye made sure to remain under French laws that guarantee an only child a minimum share of the estate. For Laura Smet, it is now just about saying a dignified farewell to her mother.
