French president's partner to remain hospitalized after 'shock' of tabloid report on mistress

In this photo dated Tuesday Jan. 7, 2014, French President Francois Hollande, center, and his partner Valerie Trierweiler cut slices of a traditional epiphany cake at the Elysee palace, in Paris. The woman considered France's first lady was hospitalized after a report the president is having an affair with an actress, her office said Sunday Jan. 12, as a poll was released showing the French shrugging off any liaison as none of their business. Valerie Trierweiler was hospitalized Friday, Jan. 10, the day the magazine report and photo spread came out — for "rest and a few tests," said her chief of staff, Patrice Biancone. (AP Photo/Alain Jocard, Pool) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Tuesday, May. 7, 2013, file photo, French President Francois Hollande, left, and his companion Valerie Trierweiler arrive for a state dinner at the Elysee Palace, in Paris as part of Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski's two-day visit to France. The woman considered France's first lady has been hospitalized after a report that the president is having an affair with an actress. Valerie Trierweiler's chief of staff, Patrice Biancone, confirmed Sunday that the 48-year-old journalist who lives with President Francois Hollande has been hospitalized since Friday, Jan. 10, 2014. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, Pool, File) (The Associated Press)

PARIS – A top aide to France's first lady says she will remain hospitalized for several more days to recover from the shock of a tabloid report that President Francois Hollande is having a secret affair with an actress.

The scandal is overshadowing a major public appearance by Hollande expected Tuesday. Pollsters say it is likely to further damage his record-low popularity ratings.

Valerie Trierweiler's chief of staff, Patrice Biancone, said Monday she could be hospitalized for another six or eight more days. She was initially expected to leave the hospital Monday.

He said she suffered a "very strong emotional shock" from the tabloid report and needs rest.

Hollande has never married. He and Trierweiler have lived together since 2007 and she occupies the so-called "madame wing" of the presidential palace.