Jean-Louis Étienne to announce shock retirement?

Étienne created a stir on Friday when rumors have surfaced that his career was over.

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Sad news for Étienne fans. Speculation had been rife that the French scientist will announce his retirement from all public activities, at age 79, with immediate effect.

UPDATE 10/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Being a scientist isn't fun anymore

“As we get older, there are phases of life that we enter into, and being a scientist just isn't fun anymore,” he might have said, says a source who remained anonymous. Other reports hinted that he may branch out into other creative fields he is better at (and more interested in), though they didn't provide any details.

#ThankYouJean-Louis

For a little while on Friday evening, #ThankYouJean-Louis was a trending hashtag on Twitter. As many fans reminisce and look back on all the unforgettable memories, some may wonder what about now made him make the decision.

“You’ve accomplished everything I ever dreamed of #ThankYouJean-Louis.”
— @DesireePlum, 9 Jan 2026

“Étienne wasn't retired?”
— @borisB0, 9 Jan 2026

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