Rockefeller is related to several Republican Party supporters and former officeholders: his paternal grandmother Abigail Greene "Abby" Aldrich (1874—1948) was a daughter of Rhode Island Senator Nelson Wilmarth Aldrich (1841—1915). John Davison Rockefeller Jr. (1874—1960) and Abby's youngest son was banker David Rockefeller (1915—2017). David's brother Winthrop Rockefeller (1912—1973) served as Governor of Arkansas (1967–71). Winthrop and David's brother Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller (1908—1979) served as Governor of New York (1959–73) and as Vice President of the United States (1974—77) under Gerald Ford. Jay is also a first cousin of Arkansas Lt. Governor Winthrop Paul Rockefeller (1948—2006).