Iconic French film star and singer Brigitte Bardot dies aged 91

Brigitte Bardot has died at the age of 91.

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation has confirmed the news of the French icon's passing in a statement.

It read, via BBC News: "The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation."

It remains unclear when she passed away, but she is believed to have died at her home in the south of France.

The news of Bardot's death comes just weeks after her representatives were forced to deny that she was unwell and had been hospitalized with a 'serious illness'.

The actress left the film industry to dedicate herself to animal welfare (George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images)

Addressing the reports that she was seriously unwell, her foundation said, per The Independent: "In response to the spread of false information in recent days, Ms Brigitte Bardot would like to remind everyone that she is currently recovering, that she would appreciate it if people would respect her privacy, and invites everyone to calm down."

It added: "Ms Bardot wishes to reassure those who are genuinely concerned about her. She sends them this message: 'I send my love to you all.'"

Over the course of her acting career, Bardot is said to have starred in as many as 47 films, some of which include Babette Goes To War, Contempt, The Truth, Viva Maria!, as well as And God Created Woman.

Brigitte Bardot, seen in 1995, retired from the film industry at the age of 39 (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

By the end of the 1950s, Bardot was reportedly the highest paid actress in France.

While the film star had earned worldwide fame as one of the most recognisable faces of post-war cinema, she later withdrew from the show business world to devote her life to causes such as animal rights and retired from acting aged 39.

People have been sharing tributes to Bardot online in the wake of the news of her death.

One person penned on Twitter: "Brigitte Bardot has passed away! RIP my thoughts go out to family and friends at this sad time. She was 91."

"A true icon of French cinema and a fearless voice for animal rights has left us," said another.

Echoing similar sentiments, a third person said: "A true cinema legend has left us. She was the ultimate fashion icon."

Piers Morgan also paid his respects, writing: "RIP Brigitte Bardot, 91. The greatest movie sex symbol of them all, and the woman who made St Tropez the coolest place in the world."

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