Adelia "Ada" Zeidler, the older sister of actor George Clooney, has died at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky.
Born on May 2, 1960, in Los Angeles, California, Adelia was the daughter of journalist and television host Nick Clooney and writer Nina Bruce Warren. Named after her great-grandmother, she eventually settled in Augusta, Kentucky, where she became deeply involved in the community.
George Clooney shared a heartfelt statement with PEOPLE magazine, expressing his grief and admiration for his sister. "My sister, Ada, was my hero," he said. "She faced down cancer with courage and humor. I've never met anyone so brave. Amal and I will miss her terribly".
Adelia was a talented artist and dedicated her time to teaching elementary art at Augusta Independent School for several years. Her obituary highlights her passion for sharing her artistic skills with young students. She was also a National Merit Scholar in high school and continued to pursue her love for learning. Adelia was an avid reader and participated in a local book club. Furthermore, she was an active member of the Augusta Art Guild and had the honor of serving as the grand marshal of Augusta's Annual White Christmas Parade. Later in life, Adelia attended college in Louisville and Northern Kentucky and worked as a bookkeeper.
Adelia was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Zeidler, a retired Army captain, who passed away on October 11, 2004. George Clooney reportedly read scripture at their wedding in 1987, while his aunt, Rosemary Clooney, sang. She is survived by her parents, Nick and Nina Clooney; her children, Nick Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga, and Allison's husband, Kenny. George Clooney and his wife, Amal, are also among those mourning her loss.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Maysville, Kentucky, with Rev. Augustine Aidoo officiating. A private interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Washington, Kentucky. The family has suggested that memorial contributions be made to the Knoedler Memorial Library, located at 315 Main Street, Augusta, Kentucky, 41002.
