Rosie O’Donnell, 62, recently announced her decision to leave the United States and move to Ireland with her 12-year-old daughter, Dakota. Sharing her update via a heartfelt video, the comedian explained that the decision was influenced by personal, political, and cultural factors.
O’Donnell described Ireland as a “beautiful” and “warm” country and expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she and her daughter have received. Acknowledging her Irish roots, the comedian also revealed she is currently undergoing the process of obtaining Irish citizenship. “I never thought I’d live in another country, but this feels like the best decision for me and my daughter,” she noted.
The move, according to O’Donnell, is partly a response to her dissatisfaction with the current political climate in the U.S. “When it’s safe for all citizens to have equal rights in America, that’s when we will consider coming back,” she stated, describing her move as both personally and politically motivated.
While O’Donnell expressed happiness and a sense of newfound belonging in her new home, she acknowledged missing her other children, friends, and certain aspects of life in the U.S. She shares Dakota (nicknamed Clay) with her late ex-wife Michelle Rounds and remains connected to her older children—Parker, Chelsea, Blake, and Vivienne—whom she shares with her ex-wife Kelli Carpenter.
The announcement sparked mixed reactions online. While some social media users supported her decision, others criticized the move, with remarks ranging from “I don’t blame her” to “Poor Ireland.”
O’Donnell’s exit follows a trend among other notable figures expressing frustrations with U.S. politics. Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, recently relocated to the UK, while stars like Cher and Sharon Stone have publicly considered leaving the country, citing political concerns.
For O’Donnell, her move marks both a new chapter in her personal life and a resounding statement on political equality, leaving fans and critics alike divided.
