George Clooney mourns sister Ada Zeidler, 'hero' who died at 65, funeral planned in Kentucky

George Clooney is mourning the death of his older sister, Adelia “Ada” Zeidler, who died Friday, December 19 after a battle with cancer, People reports. Clooney confirmed the news to the outlet on Saturday, calling Ada his hero and saying Amal and I will miss her terribly.

Zeidler died peacefully while surrounded by loved ones at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Kentucky, according to an official obituary released by her family. Born May 2, 1960, in Los Angeles to Nina and Nick Zeidler, she was described as a talented artist who led a quiet, civic-minded life in her adopted Kentucky hometown. The obituary also notes her long-standing work as an elementary art teacher at Augusta Independent School and highlights her devotion to reading, which connected her with a local book club.

In addition to her teaching, Zeidler was a longtime member of the Augusta Art Guild and served as past grand marshal of Augusta’s Annual White Christmas Parade. The obituary states that she leaves behind her husband, Kenny; two children, Nick Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga; and several uncles, aunts, and cousins. Funeral arrangements were set for Monday, December 22, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Maysville, Kentucky.

Ada Zeidler maintained a relatively private life, but she was publicly linked to her brother’s notable career and public milestones. In 2014, she attended Clooney’s Venice wedding to Amal Clooney, standing aboard a boat near her brother as the couple celebrated their vows. Clooney spoke of her influence and courage in a statement to People after her death, saying, “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.”

The siblings grew up in Kentucky, where Clooney has frequently reflected on the close-knit family and the values of their small town. Their mother, Nina, and father, Nick Clooney, are often referenced in biographical takes on the actor’s upbringing, including anecdotes from their childhood that Clooney has shared in interviews. The family’s public portrait in recent years has emphasized the strong ties that bound Clooney to his sister and to the region that shaped them.

Zeidler’s life in Augusta, her work as an art teacher, and her community leadership—along with her role as a wife and mother—are cited in the obituary as defining aspects of her legacy. The notes accompanying the announcement emphasize the family’s gratitude for the support they have received and their wish to honor Ada’s memory through the memorial and the local community engagements she cherished.

George Clooney has previously spoken about the values instilled in him by his Kentucky upbringing and the importance of kindness in public life. In 2019, he described the region as a place where neighbors look out for one another, a sentiment he has reiterated when discussing his family’s private life and public work. While Ada Zeidler stepped out of the spotlight, her influence on those who knew her—whether through teaching, community service, or familial bonds—remains a notable thread in the Clooney family narrative.

The public timeline surrounding Ada Zeidler’s death and the scheduled funeral provides a final public stage for Clooney and his family to honor her life. As the community gathers in Maysville on Monday, many will recall her contributions to local education, the arts, and civic events, as well as the enduring bond she shared with her brother and his family. The family has asked for privacy as they mourn, while inviting public remembrance of Ada’s life and work, particularly her dedication to nurturing young artists and readers in the Augusta region.