George Clooney Mourns Sister Ada Zeidler
George Clooney is grieving the loss of his older sister, Adelia “Ada” Zeidler, who passed away at 65 on December 19 after battling cancer. She died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
In an exclusive statement to People, Clooney called his sister his “hero,” praising her courage, humor, and strength in her final days.
A Life of Service and Creativity
Ada Zeidler, a respected artist and teacher, devoted her life to family, education, and her community in Augusta, Kentucky. She taught elementary art at Augusta Independent School and earned recognition as a National Merit Scholar.
She also served as grand marshal of Augusta’s Annual White Christmas Parade and was an active member of the Augusta Art Guild. Ada’s contributions left a lasting impact on her community, reflecting a life defined by service rather than fame.
Image credits: Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images
Family Bonds and Personal Reflections
Clooney often spoke of his close bond with Ada. “My sister, Ada, was my hero. She faced down cancer with courage and humor. I’ve never met anyone so brave. Amal and I will miss her terribly,” he said.
Despite a public life on the world stage, Clooney found grounding in Ada. She rarely appeared in the spotlight, even opting to communicate via email instead of phone for privacy reasons. She attended Clooney’s 2014 wedding to Amal in Venice, highlighting the enduring closeness of their family.
A Family Legacy
Born to Nick Clooney and Nina Bruce Warren, Ada was named after her great-grandmother. She grew up alongside George in Augusta, Kentucky, fostering a deep connection to the town.
Ada married retired Army Captain Norman Zeidler in 1987. Their wedding was a community affair, with George reading scripture and legendary aunt Rosemary Clooney singing. Tragically, Norman passed away in 2004, and Ada raised their two children, Nick and Allison, as a devoted single mother.
Clooney fondly recalled his niece and nephew: “I’ve got a niece and nephew. My nephew was just made prom king—from the high school I went to where I was not named prom king.”
