Robin Kelly’s Stepdaughter Lauren Horn Dies at 38: Full Details

U.S. Representative Robin Kelly is grieving the untimely death of her stepdaughter, Lauren Horn, who passed away on January 7, 2025, at 8:00 p.m., as reported by the Daily Herald. Robin expressed her profound sorrow in a public statement, noting the special bond she shared with Lauren, who was her husband’s daughter from a previous marriage. She said,

“My family and I are completely heartbroken. Lauren was one of my bonus daughters, an absolute blessing to me ever since we joined families over 20 years ago. I will forever miss her.”

The family has not disclosed the cause of Lauren’s death.

Who Was Lauren Horn’s Father, Dr. Nathaniel Horn?

Lauren’s father, Dr. Nathaniel “Nate” Horn (1955–2023), was a renowned physician from Chicago and the husband of Robin Kelly. Specializing in anesthesiology, internal medicine, and men’s health, Dr. Horn earned his Bachelor of Science from Bradley University in 1977 and his Doctorate of Medicine from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in 1982. He completed his residency at the University of Chicago Hospital and Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

Throughout his career, Dr. Horn served in prominent roles including Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at Jackson Park Hospital, founder of a multi-state anesthesia group, and medical director at the Boston Medical Group. He also opened the Horn Clinic in Matteson, Illinois. Dr. Horn passed away on August 18, 2023, at the age of 68. His wife, Kelly Kelson, described him as:

“A loving father, a compassionate husband, an incredible friend, and a great doctor who touched the lives of many people in a positive way. Whether he was dad, grandpa or Dr. Nate, his impact on all those who knew him and loved him will never be forgotten.”

Robin Kelly and Dr. Nathaniel Horn’s Life Together

Robin Kelly and Dr. Nathaniel Horn were married in 2003, shortly after Kelly’s election to the Illinois House of Representatives. They were married for 20 years before Dr. Horn’s death in 2023. Known for his quiet support, Dr. Horn often accompanied Kelly to political and social events but preferred to stay out of the public eye. The couple raised a blended family of Nathaniel’s two daughters and Robin’s two stepchildren and had two grandchildren, with a third expected at the time of his passing.

More About Robin Kelly

Robin Kelly (born April 30, 1956) currently serves as the U.S. Representative for Illinois’s 2nd Congressional District, a position she has held since winning a 2013 special election. She is running in the 2026 Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate to succeed retiring Senator Dick Durbin. Kelly is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and serves on subcommittees for Health, Communications and Technology, and Innovation, Data, and Commerce.

A strong advocate for gun control, Kelly authored the 2014 Kelly Report on Gun Violence in America and has led multiple legislative initiatives to combat the issue. She resides in the south suburbs of Chicago.