Hillary Clinton brother was Hugh Ellsworth “Tony” Rodham, her younger sibling who remained a private yet occasionally public figure until his death in 2019.
As of February 26, 2026, Hillary Clinton does not have a living brother. Tony Rodham passed away on June 7, 2019, at the age of 65. His life intersected at times with politics and business, particularly during and after Bill Clinton’s presidency. Here is a fully verified overview of Tony Rodham’s background, career, and public profile.
Table of Contents
Who Was Hillary Clinton’s Brother?
Hillary Clinton’s only brother was Hugh Ellsworth Rodham Jr., widely known as Tony Rodham.
- Full Name: Hugh Ellsworth Rodham Jr.
- Common Name: Tony Rodham
- Date of Birth: August 8, 1954
- Date of Death: June 7, 2019
- Age at Death: 65
He was the youngest child of Hugh Rodham Sr. and Dorothy Howell Rodham.
Hillary Clinton, born October 26, 1947, is seven years older than her brother.
Early Life and Family Background
Tony Rodham grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois, alongside his sister Hillary.
Their father, Hugh Rodham Sr., worked in the textile industry. Their mother, Dorothy Rodham, later became known for her advocacy work and memoir.
The Rodham family maintained a middle-class lifestyle focused on discipline and education.
Hillary Clinton often referenced her upbringing in Illinois during her political career.
Tony Rodham shared that same family environment.
Education and Early Career
Tony Rodham attended Iowa Wesleyan College, where he earned a degree in liberal arts.
After college, he held various jobs in both private and public sectors.
During Bill Clinton’s presidency from 1993 to 2001, Rodham worked in business and occasionally traveled internationally.
He did not hold an elected office.
His name occasionally surfaced in media coverage due to his family connection rather than a political role.
Public Attention During the Clinton Presidency
When Bill Clinton served as President of the United States, members of the extended Clinton and Rodham families faced increased scrutiny.
Tony Rodham’s business dealings received attention during that time.
He served on the board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for a brief period in the 1990s.
He also pursued private ventures, including consulting and investment efforts.
Although he never held a high-profile government position, media coverage sometimes mentioned him because of his connection to the First Family.
Pardon Controversy in 2001
One of the most widely reported moments involving Hillary Clinton’s brother occurred in January 2001.
President Bill Clinton issued a controversial pardon to Marc Rich, a fugitive financier.
Reports later confirmed that Tony Rodham had advocated on behalf of Rich and had received payment for legal assistance related to the pardon effort.
After public criticism, Rodham returned the money he had received.
That event became part of broader reporting on last-minute presidential pardons.
It remains one of the most documented public episodes connected to Tony Rodham.
Later Business Activities
In later years, Tony Rodham engaged in business ventures that drew periodic media coverage.
One such venture involved investment interests in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake.
These efforts received public attention due to the Clinton Foundation’s humanitarian involvement in Haiti at the time.
Rodham did not hold an official government role during those activities.
His involvement remained private-sector based.
Death in 2019
Tony Rodham died on June 7, 2019.
Hillary Clinton publicly acknowledged his death in a social media statement.
She described him as kind-hearted and generous.
His death occurred during a period when Hillary Clinton was no longer serving in public office.
He was 65 years old at the time of his passing.
No official cause of death was publicly detailed.
Hillary Clinton’s Immediate Family Today
As of 2026, Hillary Clinton’s immediate family includes:
- Husband: Bill Clinton
- Daughter: Chelsea Clinton
- No living siblings
Tony Rodham was her only brother.
Her parents, Hugh Rodham Sr. and Dorothy Rodham, both passed away in earlier years.
Relationship Between Hillary Clinton and Tony Rodham
Hillary Clinton occasionally referenced her brother in public remarks over the years.
The Rodham siblings maintained family ties despite differences in career paths.
Tony Rodham largely stayed outside elected politics.
He did not run for public office.
His public recognition stemmed primarily from his family relationship.
Key Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1954 | Tony Rodham born in Illinois |
| 1993–2001 | Bill Clinton presidency; increased public visibility |
| 2001 | Pardon controversy connected to Marc Rich |
| 2010 | Business interests in Haiti receive attention |
| June 7, 2019 | Tony Rodham passes away |
| 2026 | No living brother of Hillary Clinton |
This timeline reflects verified historical events.
Why People Search “Hillary Clinton Brother”
Search interest often rises during:
- Biographical documentaries
- Political anniversaries
- Election cycles
- Public discussions about the Clinton family
Many Americans seek clarity about Hillary Clinton’s family background.
The answer remains consistent.
Her only brother was Tony Rodham, who passed away in 2019.
Current Status as of February 26, 2026
As of today:
- Hillary Clinton does not have a living brother.
- Tony Rodham died on June 7, 2019.
- No new developments have altered that family history.
Her immediate family now centers on her husband and daughter.
Direct Answer
Hillary Clinton brother was Hugh “Tony” Rodham.
He was born August 8, 1954, and died June 7, 2019.
He was her only sibling.
As of 2026, Hillary Clinton does not have a surviving brother.
Family members of prominent political figures often draw attention, even when they do not hold public office. Tony Rodham’s life intersected with national politics due to his sister’s prominence, but he remained primarily a private citizen.
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