Brigitte Bardot endured a secret battle with cancer prior to her death, according to her husband Bernard d'Ormale

He told Paris Match magazine: "[She] had tolerated very well the two procedures she underwent to treat the cancer that took her."

The actress-turned-animal rights campaigner was hospitalised twice in 2025 but was determined to return to her home in the French resort of Saint-Tropez despite her physical discomfort.

Bernard added to the publication: "It was uncomfortable, even when she was bedridden," added the former far-right political adviser.

"However, she remained conscious and concerned about the fate of animals until the very end."

Bernard also revealed his wife's final words before she passed away, saying: "They were the most moving moment of my life with Brigitte, because she was leaving us.

"She said 'pew pew'. I was half asleep, I sat up and saw that she had stopped breathing. I saw her suffering disappear in the next fifteen minutes - she became magnificent."

Bardot will be remembered in a private funeral in Saint-Tropez on Wednesday (07.01.26) as well as a public event in the coastal town and reports suggest she will be buried in the area's Marine Cemetery, close to the final resting place of her first husband Roger Vadim, who died in 2000.

The actress' death came just weeks after she urged fans to "calm down" and stop worrying about her after two stints in hospital sparked fears for her health.

Her foundation issued a statement which read: "In response to the spread of false information in recent days, Ms Brigitte Bardot would like to remind everyone that she is recovering, that she would appreciate it if people would respect her privacy and invites everyone to calm down.

"Ms Bardot wishes to reassure those who are genuinely concerned about her.

"She sends them this message: 'I send my love to you all.'"

In October, Bardot was forced to deny false rumours which suggested she had died.

She posted a statement on her X account to dismiss claims made by influencer Aqababe in a now-deleted social media post suggesting she had passed away.

The actress wrote: "I don't know who the idiot who started this 'fake news' about my disappearance but know that I am doing well and I have no plan on taking my bow. A word to the wise."

Aqababe, whose real name is Aniss Zitouni, claimed in their post that they had "exclusive information" about the star's supposed death.

The deleted post read: "Her coffin was ordered in Saint-Paul-de-Jarrat in the 09 (Ariège) department. An icon has passed away, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy and an internal imprint on the hearts of the French."

The influencer even stood by the claims after Bardot issued her denial on X, suggesting it is not the former actress who runs her account.

Aqababe wrote: "I deleted my exclusive tweet about Brigitte Bardot's death. It's not her who manages her Twitter, you'll see when AFP officially announces the death."