The world of cinema is in mourning. On April 17, Nathalie Baye passed away at the age of 77 due to Lewy body disease. The actress leaves behind a daughter, Laura Smet, the result of her love affair with Johnny Hallyday. “I lost half of my heart, she was the best mother in the world,” Laura Smet wrote the day after her mother’s passing. On Friday, April 24, the world of cinema and fans of Nathalie Baye gathered at the Saint-Sulpice church in Paris to pay a final tribute to the actress.
Among them was Sylvie Vartan. The singer also shared her life with Johnny Hallyday. Their marriage lasted from 1965 to 1980, the year of their divorce. In a post on her Instagram account, Sylvie Vartan paid tribute to her friend’s memory. “Still in shock, I find it hard to believe that you have gone. We shared so many emotional moments. Tender thoughts to Laura and all your loved ones,” she wrote.
Sylvie Vartan’s discreet gesture in front of Nathalie Baye’s coffin
Sylvie Vartan and Nathalie always showed a form of mutual respect. Their respective relationships with Johnny Hallyday never created rivalry between the two women. Sylvie Vartan’s presence at the funeral seemed to be a given. And during the tribute ceremony to Nathalie Baye, Sylvie Vartan made a simple gesture that captivated everyone.
Before the start of the service, the singer and mother of David Hallyday placed a wreath of flowers in front of the coffin. On the ribbon adorning the bouquet was written a word: “Unforgettable,” along with Sylvie Vartan’s name. The singer also chose not to speak during this intimate ceremony.
Laura Smet’s tender homage to her mother Nathalie Baye
During this emotionally charged day, Laura Smet spoke to honor her mother. With a trembling voice, she remembered “an incredible friend, an eternal lover, and a fabulous mother.” “My mother, she was someone real, tender, fair, and strong. She always took care of others more than herself. She was curious about everything, everyone. She loved life, people, nature, and animals,” Laura Smet stated.
“She gave me so much love, so much strength. She lifted me up when I was down, me and many others. She was an incredible friend, an eternal lover, and a fabulous mother,” the actress added. A beautiful tribute to a great actress.
