Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress often hailed as the original “sex kitten,” has passed away at the age of 91, as confirmed by her foundation.

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which is dedicated to animal protection, shared the news of her passing on its website on Sunday. “With great sorrow, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot. She was a world-renowned actress and singer who chose to leave behind her illustrious career to devote her life and passion to animal welfare and her foundation,” the announcement stated.

The foundation further expressed its desire to celebrate the life of an extraordinary woman who dedicated herself entirely to creating a more compassionate world for animals. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, the community of Saint-Tropez, its residents, and everyone who supports this cause. The Foundation remains committed to continuing Brigitte Bardot’s legacy,” it added.

Bruno Jacquelin, a spokesperson for the foundation, informed the Associated Press that Bardot had been hospitalized last month and died peacefully at her home in Southern France. As of now, no plans for a funeral or memorial service have been announced.

The foundation’s Bruno Jacquelin told the Associated Press that Bardot had been hospitalized last month and that she passed away in her home in Southern France. No funeral or memorial service arrangements have been made.

Bardot’s cause of death was not disclosed.

French President Emmanuel Macron took to X to share a touching tribute to Bardot.

“Her films, her voice, her dazzling glory, her initials, her sorrows, her generous passion for animals, her face that became Marianne, Brigitte Bardot embodied a life of freedom,” Macron tweeted Sunday.

“French existence, universal brilliance. She touched us. We mourn a legend of the century,” he added.

Bardot was launched as an international sex symbol in 1956 when she starred as a sexualized teen bride in the movie “And God Created Woman.”

The film, which was directed by her then-husband, Roger Vadim, featured scenes of Bardot dancing on tables naked, marking a groundbreaking portrayal of female sexuality during a conservative time.

After starring in nearly 30 films, Bardot retired from acting in 1973.

A decade later, she reemerged as an animal rights lobbyist and started her animal rights foundation after selling movie memorabilia and jewelry.

Bardot is survived by her fourth husband, Bernard d’Ormale, her estranged son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, and her sister.