It’s already been seven years since Johnny Hallyday left us. And that Jean-Pierre Millot “watches morning and evening” over his grave, in the small cemetery of Lorient in Saint-Barthélemy. This is what our colleagues at Closerin their today’s edition this Friday, December 27, 2024, they who went to meet him.
“I’ve been managing Johnny’s grave since the very first hour. I ensure that this sacred place remains spotless 24 hours a day, every day, so that fans are happy when they visit.”, explained Jean-Pierre Millot to the magazine. If he does this, it is because it is a “promise” that he made to his long-time friend: “I knew him in the 70s and our friendship was strengthened in particular in Saint-Barth….He knew me by heart, and he was therefore certain that I would be able to cope with this mission.”
Here is his routine:Every morning, I go there early to turn off all the LEDs (guitars, motorcycles, etc.) and relight any candles that may have gone out during the night. I return there around 1 p.m. for a quick inspection, and, finally, at sunset to revive the tomb with all its lights.”
We therefore have three visits per day, throughout the year: “In seven years, I have lit more than 70,000 thousand candles, changed I don’t know how many LEDs, flowers…“Note that the singer’s widow, Laeticia, supervises all of this:”Every day, for seven years, I have sent her the photo of the day so that she can give me any instructions she may have.“
Johnny and Laeticia, their love at first sight for Saint-Barth
An interview which is also an opportunity, thanks to Jean-Pierre Millot, to find out more about the attachment of Jade and Joy’s father to this Caribbean island: “Johnny and Laeticia stopped off in Saint-Barth in 1995, during a sabbatical year spent on their boat. We passed in front of the white and flowery cemetery of Lorient. The first second he saw it, he said to me: “No, but have you seen this cemetery? This is where I want to be buried!“.
His wish was therefore granted. But it didn’t amount to anything, explains Jean-Pierre Millot: “Today, if Johnny is where he wanted to be, he owes it to his wife Laeticia, who had to fight against all odds.“It is therefore thanks to her if Johnny rests in peace today in Saint-Barth, in the Lorient cemetery, and that every December 5, “a great vigil” is held there to pay tribute to him.
“Nearly two hundred people come each year to commune together,” says Jean-Pierre Millot. Laeticia “arrives on D-day with the bikers”. A unique moment, every time.
