Renata Ford, wife of former Toronto mayor Rob Ford, dies

TORONTO — Renata Ford, the wife of former Toronto mayor Rob Ford and sister-in-law to Premier Doug Ford, has died, the premier said on Monday.

She was a mother of two who stood by Rob Ford during his tumultuous years as mayor, but mostly stayed out the spotlight while he was in office.

“My heart breaks for Stephanie and Dougie. They’ve been through so much at such young ages, and losing their mom is incredibly painful,” the premier said in a brief statement.

“Our whole family is hurting for them. We ask that people respect their privacy during this very difficult time.”

The Ontario Liberal Party extended its condolences on social media late Monday.

Mark Towhey, who was chief of staff to Rob Ford, also wrote on social media that he was saddened to learn of Renata’s death.

“Thinking of her children, Stephanie and Doug, at this difficult time. Hoping they’re well,” he said.

Renata Ford kept a relatively low profile during her late husband’s mayoral term from 2010 to 2014, but made a run as a candidate in Toronto for the People’s Party of Canada in the 2019 federal election, finishing in fourth place.

The run came after she launched a lawsuit against Doug Ford and another member of the family, alleging they mishandled Rob Ford’s estate after he died of cancer in 2016 and caused financial harm to her and her two children. The premier has denied those claims.

In 2018, Renata Ford received a suspended sentence after she pleaded guilty to impaired driving, with a judge finding she had placed herself and others at risk. She was also ordered to serve three years of probation and handed a two-year driving ban.

She had apologized in court for her actions and said after the sentencing that she was “happy and appreciative” of the judge’s decision.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 6, 2026.

The Canadian Press