The world of literature has been in mourning since the announcement of the death of Bernard Pivot, which occurred this Monday, May 6 at the age of 89, in Neuilly-sur-Seine (Hauts-de-Seine). The famous presenter and writer had been battling cancer for several months. The news, relayed by his family to AFP, sparked a wave of sadness among the admirers of the famous journalist. As a reminder, he was initially a reporter for Progress. Then, he moved to other positions, notably at Literary Figaro from 1958, where he became head of department. Subsequently, he also worked for Point And The Sunday Journal. Bernard Pivot is especially famous for having launched Apostrophes in 1974 on Antenne 2, a successful literary program broadcast on Friday evenings. For 15 years, it regularly captivated between 2 and 3 million viewers, totaling 724 broadcasts before its end in 1990. During this period, Bernard Pivot welcomed prestigious guests such as Sagan, Barthes, Nabokov, Bourdieu, Eco, Le Clézio, Modiano, Levi-Strauss, as well as President Mitterrand.
Bernard Pivot therefore leaves behind many admirers. But also his two daughters, Cécile and Agnès, from his first union with his ex-wife Monique Dupuis. Bernard Pivot also leaves behind his last companiona woman who made him happy, but whose identity he had rarely mentioned.
A very discreet lover
In April 2020, while the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing, Bernard Pivot had made some surprising confidences at Nagui’s microphone on France Inter. He then revealed that he was not with his partner on a daily basis, while specifying that they met mainly at the weekend, his partner being busy with her work.
“We don’t live together, we generally meet up on weekends, there, we’ve been confined. The lady of my heart works, and I don’t”, he reported. He also highlighted the profession of the latter, who worked as a doctor, particularly in the face of the health crisis. At the time, these revelations confirmed his separation from Monique Dupuis.
An old beautiful love story
Before crossing paths with this mysterious doctor, Bernard Pivot had shared his life with Monique Dupuis. The two ex-companions met in 1955 during their studies at the Journalists Training Center (CFJ) in Paris. Their complicity and their passion for literature quickly united them.
Having become a journalist, Monique Dupuis worked in various media, including Catholic Life, The Two of UsAnd Fashions of Parisas well as in the Gault And Millau, of which she had taken charge. Quickly, the two ex-lovebirds got married and they became the happy parents of two daughters, Agnès (born in 1960) and Cécile (born in 1966). Today, they are 64 years old and 58 years old respectively.
Love and respect even after divorce
In his book The words of my life, published in 1990, Bernard Pivot expressed all his admiration and love towards his first wife. “His balance strengthened mine, his energy fueled mine“, he wrote. It must be said that Monique Dupuis has always been much more than a simple companion for Bernard Pivot. She has been his rock, his unwavering support throughout his career. In the shadows of the spotlight, she was the quiet force that allowed Pivot to shine. His support was not limited to social evenings or moments of media glory. Monique Dupuis was there, through the highs and the lows, encouraging and advising her husband with kindness.
It was she who played a crucial role in the writing of the journalist’s little books, called the Golden Dicos. These works subsequently enjoyed great success. The mother saw the potential of this idea and encouraged Bernard Pivot to make it a reality. Despite a long healthy relationship, Bernard Pivot and Monique Dupuis finally chose to follow different paths. Their divorce, although difficult, never damaged the mutual esteem they had for each other. The respect and affection between the two remained intact until Bernard Pivot’s last day.
Sources used: AFP, France Inter
