Catherine Laborde, the beloved French weather presenter who graced screens for nearly three decades, passed away on January 28, 2025, at the age of 73. Renowned for her warm presence and engaging manner, Laborde succumbed to Lewy body dementia, a neurodegenerative disease she had faced since her diagnosis in 2014. According to her sister, Françoise Laborde, Catherine left us peacefully at her cherished home on the Île-d'Yeu, surrounded by her family.
The news of her passing sent shockwaves through the public and among her colleagues. Weather presenter Evelyne Dhéliat, who had been Laborde’s close friend and professional counterpart, was attending the ceremony for the Minister of Ecology when she learned of the heartbreaking news. “I rushed home quickly,” she shared with Paris Match, reflecting the shock felt by her peers.
Evelyne, who collaborated with Laborde for many years at TF1, reminisced about their friendship, stating, “We dined together and kept each other company, though as the disease progressed, it became more complicated to connect.” Their bond had remained strong even through Laborde’s illness, which she kept largely private until its later stages. Despite knowing her friend’s condition had worsened, Dhéliat confessed she never anticipated Laborde would depart so soon.
Laborde’s presence on television was central to numerous households as she delivered weather forecasts for TF1 from 1988 until her retirement on January 1, 2017. Her engaging personality and professional demeanor made her one of the most recognized faces on French television. “You brought sunshine with you every day,” shared François Bayrou, the former Prime Minister, who also remembered her from their school days together. Bayrou expressed, “She was the grace and life, the fragility and enthusiasm,” indicating the breadth of her personality and influence.
Despite her public success, Laborde faced personal challenges due to her illness. Her husband, Thomas Stern, pointed out the stigma surrounding illnesses like hers, as many struggle to detect and validate their mental health issues. “The disease is visible,” he noted, emphasizing the scrutiny associated with living with such conditions publicly.
The effects of Lewy body dementia can be subtle yet devastating, often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Laborde herself detailed her struggles with the illness, describing symptoms such as tremors, memory loss, hallucinations, and extreme fatigue. “It was important to write about my experiences because many remain undiagnosed,” she said, using her platform to illuminate the challenges faced by others suffering from similar conditions.
Throughout her storied career, Laborde not only informed the public about the weather but also significantly impacted cultural dialogue through her works. She authored several books, including “Trembler,” where she shared her insights on love and illness, examining how chronic disease can alter relationships. Her final book, co-written with Stern, titled Amour malade, poignantly addresses the realities of falling out of love amid battling debilitating health problems.
Laborde was also noted for her charitable efforts, showing her vibrant spirit even outside of broadcasting. She actively supported numerous causes, including the Secours populaire and local campaigns for children's welfare, showcasing her dedication beyond the screen.
While the news of her passing is undoubtedly tragic, it serves as a reminder of the legacy she leaves behind. Catherine Laborde, through her work and personal struggles, embodied resilience and grace, touching countless lives during her time on air. Her final televised farewell, filled with love and appreciation for her viewers, resonates even today: “You will forget me, but I will never forget you.”
The memorial services for Catherine Laborde are anticipated to take place next week in Paris, allowing friends, family, and fans to celebrate the life of an extraordinary woman who brought joy and information to so many. Laborde's death marks the end of an era for French television, but her spirit remains ingrained within the hearts of those she inspired.