Singer and actress Jane Birkin has died

Singer and actress Jane Birkin has died at the age of 76, French media have reported.

The English-French star, who inspired the Hermès Birkin designer handbag, was found at her home by her caregiver, BFMTV reported.

The singer had been forced to postpone several concerts in Paris scheduled for May after breaking her shoulder in March 2022, BFMTV reported.

“I’ve always been a big optimist, and I realise that it still takes me a little while to be able to be on stage again and with you. I love being with you so much,” she said in a statement at the time.

It followed another string of cancelled shows after the star suffered from a stroke in September 2021.

Born in London, Birkin began her career as an actress, Birkin gained international fame for her on and off-screen relationship with Serge Gainsbourg.

The pair met while co-starring in 1969 French satirical romantic comedy, Slogan, and went on to release a debut album in the same year.

The album featured the sexually explicit song “Je t’aime…moi non plus” which reached number one in the UK Singles Chart.

After their split in 1980 Birkin continued to work, appearing in multiple films and recording numerous solo albums.