George Clooney mourns sister Ada Zeidler, 65, after cancer battle

AUGUSTA, KENTUCKY: George Clooney is mourning the loss of his sister, Adelia “Ada” Zeidler, who died after a battle with cancer on Friday. She was 65. In a heartfelt statement, the actor remembered her as a constant source of strength and courage for their family.

PEOPLE confirmed Zeidler’s death, which occurred at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky. She died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

George Clooney’s sister, Adelia “Ada” Zeidler, died at the age of 65 following a battle with cancer.

George Clooney remembers Adelia 'Ada' Zeidler as his hero

In an exclusive statement shared with PEOPLE, Clooney reflected on the close bond he shared with his older sister and the resilience she showed throughout her illness.

“My sister, Ada, was my hero,” Clooney said. “She faced down cancer with courage and humor. I’ve never met anyone so brave. Amal and I will miss her terribly.”

While Clooney has spent decades in the public eye, Zeidler largely lived outside the spotlight, choosing a quieter life centered on family, creativity and community.

Adelia 'Ada' Zeidler’s life rooted in art, learning and community

According to her obituary, Adelia Zeidler was born in Los Angeles on May 2, 1960, to journalist and television host Nick Clooney and writer Nina Bruce Warren. Named after her great-grandmother, she later settled in Augusta, Kentucky, where she became deeply connected to her hometown.

A gifted artist, Zeidler worked for several years as an elementary art teacher at Augusta Independent School. Her love for creativity extended beyond the classroom, and she remained actively involved with the Augusta Art Guild.

Her passion for learning was evident early on. During high school, her academic achievements earned her recognition as a National Merit Scholar. She later attended college in Louisville and Northern Kentucky and went on to work as a bookkeeper.

Outside her professional life, Zeidler was known for her love of reading and her involvement in a local book club, where she built lasting friendships through shared discussion and ideas. She also served as a past grand marshal of Augusta’s Annual White Christmas Parade, reflecting her standing in the close-knit community.

Adelia 'Ada' Zeidler’s wedding remembered across Augusta

In 1987, Zeidler married Norman Zeidler, a retired U.S. Army captain, on March 14 in Augusta. The wedding became a memorable town-wide affair.

“The whole town helped with the wedding. We couldn’t have gotten through it without them,” her mother Nina once recalled.

The ceremony included meaningful family moments. George Clooney read scripture, while their aunt, legendary singer Rosemary Clooney, performed a romantic song for the couple.

Tragedy struck years later when Norman Zeidler died of a heart attack on October 11, 2004. Zeidler remained devoted to her children and extended family in the years that followed.

Adelia 'Ada' Zeidler maintained private life with rare public appearances

Although she preferred privacy, Zeidler occasionally attended major family milestones. She was present at George Clooney’s wedding to human rights lawyer Amal Clooney in Venice, Italy, on September 27, 2014.

Her obituary described her as someone who lived with warmth, intention and generosity, leaving a lasting impact on those closest to her.

In addition to her parents, Zeidler is survived by her children, Nick Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga, and Allison’s husband, Kenny. She is also survived by her brother George Clooney and his wife Amal, along with several extended family members.

A funeral service is scheduled for Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations have been suggested to the Knoedler Memorial Library in Augusta, honoring Zeidler’s lifelong love of reading and community learning.