Catherine Laborde, the beloved weather presenter, passed away at 73 after battling Lewy body dementia. She had a long TV career, and also worked as an author and advocate.
Catherine Laborde, a well-known figure in French television, passed away on Tuesday, January 28th at the age of 73. Her death was announced by her family to Agence France-Presse (AFP). She died peacefully at her home on the Île d’Yeu. Her sister, journalist Françoise Laborde, shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing love and remembrance.
A Long Career in Television
Catherine Laborde was best known for presenting the weather forecast on TF1, France’s most prominent private television channel. She held this role from 1988 to 2017, a period of nearly 30 years. Her tenure alongside other notable presenters such as Michel Cardoze, Alain Gillot-Pétré, and Evelyne Dhéliat. Her final broadcast was on January 1, 2017, which she described as being a ‘mutual agreement’ with the channel.
Her unique presentation style, characterized by a gentle yet engaging voice, short brown hair, and a radiant smile, made her a beloved figure among viewers. On her last appearance, she said goodbye to her audience with the emotional message : “I am taking you with me. Will you forget me? I won’t. I love you.”. At the time, her health condition remained private from the public.
Health Struggles
In 2018, Catherine Laborde revealed her diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease, which she had been battling since 2014. Initially suspected to be Parkinson’s, her actual diagnosis was Lewy body dementia, which shares characteristics with both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Lewy body dementia affects over 200,000 people in France.
Her husband, Thomas Stern, discussed the challenges of her condition in an interview in 2022. He mentioned her struggles with communication and the fluctuating nature of her lucidity. Despite these difficulties, Catherine remained a public figure, sharing her experience and raising awareness about the disease.
Early Life and Career
Born on May 8, 1951, Catherine Laborde had a background in the arts and drama. She studied at the Conservatoire d’art dramatique in Bordeaux after completing a master’s degree in English. Her career began on stage in the early 1970s in Paris, appearing in a play by Louis-Ferdinand Céline. She also took on minor roles in films, working with director Jean-Charles Tacchella, in movies like Cousin Cousine, Il y a longtemps que je t’aime, and Croque la vie.
Other Works and Contributions
Beyond her work in television and film, Catherine Laborde was an author. She co-authored several books with her husband, Thomas Stern, exploring themes of love, infidelity and their life journey with her illness. In 2020, they released “Amour malade,” a book that detailed their challenges. Thomas Stern also became actively involved with the association A2MCL, where Catherine Laborde served as a patron, furthering awareness about the Lewy body dementia.
Final Years and Legacy
In her final years, Catherine Laborde used her platform to speak openly about her battle with the disease. She had participated in TV shows such as “C à vous” and “Ça commence aujourd’hui”, where she discussed her condition and the impact it had on her life and that of her caregivers. The experience also prompted her to create an association to support caregivers. She also supported Emmanuel Macron in his efforts relating to the disabled.
Her last television appearance was on TF1’s “Sept à huit” in 2020, where she confessed that she was experiencing memory loss. She found solace in writing, viewing it as a healing process. Her final book, “Amour malade,” explored the complex dynamic between a person with a disability and their caregiver. She also said: “Weather (…) reminds us that every balance is fragile, unstable, versatile. It’s not an exact science; it always retains the poetry of the unpredictable.”
Catherine Laborde’s legacy is that of a devoted and honest professional, who connected with the public on a personal level, using her platform to educate and inspire others.
Sources: https://www.lemonde.fr/disparitions/article/2025/01/28/catherine-laborde-ex-presentatrice-de-la-meteo-de-tf1-est-morte-a-l-age-de-73-ans_6519788_3382.html
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/culture/tv/l-animatrice-catherine-laborde-ex-presentatrice-meteo-de-tf1-est-morte-a-73-ans_7041110.html
https://www.lefigaro.fr/medias/deces-de-catherine-laborde-l-ex-presentatrice-meteo-de-tf1-20250128