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George Clooney has shared the painful news that his sister, Adelia “Ada” Zeidler, has died. In a brief, heartfelt message he praised her bravery and said he and his wife Amal will sorely miss her.
Actor George Clooney honors Ada Zeidler’s courage
In a statement to the press, Clooney described his sister as a source of inspiration. He spoke about her fight with cancer and the humor she kept through hard days. He called her his hero and emphasized how deeply she will be missed.
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The announcement came after family members confirmed Ada Zeidler passed away at 65. The funeral notice said she died peacefully in a medical facility, surrounded by loved ones.
Ada Zeidler’s life: teacher, scholar and private family figure
According to the obituary, Zeidler was born in Los Angeles in 1960 and later made her home in Augusta, Kentucky. She worked as an elementary art teacher and had once been named a National Merit Scholar in high school.
- Born: Los Angeles, 1960
- Residence: Augusta, Kentucky
- Profession: Elementary school art teacher
- Academic honor: High school National Merit Scholar
- Interests: Reading and family life
Her life was described as quiet and centered on family and community. She raised two children and maintained close ties with relatives.
Family, survivors and predeceased loved ones
The obituary lists several close relatives who survive Zeidler, as well as those who preceded her in death.
- Parents: Nick and Nina Bruce Clooney
- Children: Nick Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga
- Husband: Kenny (surviving spouse)
- Brother: George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney
- Additional family: several aunts, uncles and cousins
- Preceded in death by: Norman Zeidler (husband), who died in 2004
The family said she passed surrounded by people she loved, a detail that underscores how private but close-knit her circle remained.
Public moments: weddings, photos and family memories
Although Zeidler lived largely out of the spotlight, she appeared at notable family events. She was photographed beside George during his Venice wedding to Amal in 2014, wearing a beaded silver dress.
At her own 1987 wedding to Norman Zeidler, famed singer Rosemary Clooney—her aunt—performed. George participated in that ceremony, reading scripture to mark the occasion.
A sister who stayed close
In interviews, Ada described a protective streak toward her brother. She once joked about keeping distance by not storing his phone number, preferring email for its convenience.
George has long spoken about their close bond, calling his sister someone he was very close to and relying on for support.
Memorial plans and public response
The obituary says a memorial service will be held on Monday. Local funeral arrangements were handled by the family’s funeral home.
Representatives for George Clooney had not immediately provided further comment to media outlets. Fans and colleagues have begun sharing condolences on social platforms since the news broke.
