George Clooney's sister Adelia 'Ada' Zeidler has died at the age of 65

Clooney, 64, told People in a statement: "My sister, Ada, was my hero.

"She faced down cancer with courage and humour. I've never met anyone so brave. Amal and I will miss her terribly."

Ada's obituary revealed that she died "peacefully surrounded by the people she loved" at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky.

It states: "A talented artist, she shared her skills as an elementary art teacher at Augusta Independent for several years.

"In high school, her academic achievements qualified her to be a National Merit Scholar. Her love for reading connected her with other readers in a local book club. She was also a member of the Augusta Art Guild and was a past grand marshal of Augusta's Annual White Christmas Parade."

Ada lived a private life and rarely made public appearances, although she did attend her brother's wedding to his wife Amal Clooney in Venice in 2014.

She had married retired army captain Norman Zeidler in 1987, although he passed away in 2004 from a heart attack.

The obituary concludes: "In addition to her parents, she leaves behind her beloved children, Nick Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga and her husband, Kenny; her brother, George Clooney and his wife, Amal; and several uncles, aunts, and cousins."

Ada's funeral will take place on Monday (22.12.25).

In a rare interview, Ada revealed that part of her wished that she could have emulated her brother by going into acting.

She told the New York Daily News: "Yes, there is a part of me that would very much like to have become a famous actress or something like that. I enjoy acting and I was fairly okay at it, but I did not have a thick enough skin for it."

Ada also revealed that she didn't have George's phone number and preferred to keep in touch with the From Dusk till Dawn star via email instead.

She explained: "I do not have his phone number because I wouldn't want to have it in my phone and then lose my phone. He can phone me, and he does occasionally, but the email is more convenient for both of us."