Rosie O’Donnell, a prominent figure in American entertainment, has long been recognized for her contributions to comedy, television, and film. Known for her sharp wit, outspoken personality, and advocacy for various social causes, O’Donnell has maintained a significant presence in the public eye for decades. However, in early 2025, she made a surprising announcement that shifted the focus from her professional achievements to a deeply personal decision: she had relocated to Ireland with her 12-year-old daughter, Dakota. This move, revealed through a candid TikTok video on March 11, 2025, was framed as a response to the political climate in the United States, particularly following Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind O’Donnell’s decision to move to Ireland, the context of her departure, her experiences in her new home, and the broader implications of her choice.
Who Is Rosie O’Donnell? A Career Retrospective
To fully appreciate the significance of O’Donnell’s move to Ireland, it’s essential to understand her background and the public persona she has cultivated over the years. Born on March 21, 1962, in Commack, New York, Rosie O’Donnell grew up in a working-class Irish-American family. Her early life was marked by tragedy when her mother, Roseann Teresa Murtha, passed away from breast cancer when Rosie was just 10 years old. This loss profoundly shaped her, fostering a resilience that would later define her career and personal life.
O’Donnell’s rise to fame began in the 1980s when she won the talent competition Star Search as a stand-up comedian. Her humor—relatable, self-deprecating, and often infused with a touch of irreverence—resonated with audiences, paving the way for her transition into acting. She appeared in popular films such as A League of Their Own (1992), where she played the brash Doris Murphy alongside Tom Hanks and Madonna, and Sleepless in Seattle (1993), showcasing her versatility as a performer. These roles established her as a recognizable face in Hollywood, but it was her foray into daytime television that truly solidified her stardom.
From 1996 to 2002, O’Donnell hosted The Rosie O’Donnell Show, a syndicated talk show that became a cultural phenomenon. The program was a departure from the sensationalist talk shows of the era, focusing instead on lighthearted interviews, musical performances, and O’Donnell’s signature charm. Her generosity was a hallmark of the show—she frequently gave away toys and gifts to audience members, earning her the affectionate nickname “Queen of Nice.” The show won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and cemented O’Donnell’s reputation as a beloved entertainer.
Yet, O’Donnell’s career has not been without its share of controversy. After leaving her talk show, she became a co-host on ABC’s The View from 2006 to 2007, where her outspoken nature took center stage. Her tenure was marked by fiery exchanges, most notably with co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, over topics like the Iraq War and political leadership. O’Donnell’s criticism of then-President George W. Bush and, later, Donald Trump, whom she famously clashed with during his first presidential campaign, showcased her willingness to use her platform for political commentary. A vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights—she came out as a lesbian in 2002—and adoption reform, O’Donnell has never shied away from expressing her views, even when they sparked backlash.
This blend of warmth and boldness has defined O’Donnell’s public image, making her move to Ireland all the more intriguing. For a woman who has spent decades in the spotlight, her decision to leave the United States signals a significant shift—one rooted in both personal conviction and a desire for a fresh start.
The Announcement: A TikTok Confession
On March 11, 2025, Rosie O’Donnell took to TikTok, a platform she has increasingly used to connect with fans, to share a major life update: she had moved to Ireland. In a nine-minute video, she revealed that she and her daughter Dakota had relocated on January 15, 2025, just five days before Donald Trump’s second inauguration as president of the United States. The timing was no coincidence, and O’Donnell’s candid remarks in the video offered insight into her motivations.
“It’s been pretty wonderful, I have to say,” O’Donnell began, her tone a mix of relief and gratitude. She described Ireland as a place where “the people are so loving and so kind, so welcoming,” contrasting it with the environment she had left behind. “I’m very grateful,” she added, emphasizing the positive aspects of her new life. The video wasn’t all rosy, however—she acknowledged the challenges of uprooting her life and the emotional toll of leaving loved ones behind. “I miss my other kids. I miss my friends. I miss many things about life there at home,” she admitted, referencing her four other children—Parker, Chelsea, Blake, and Vivienne—who remained in the U.S.
O’Donnell also touched on a practical aspect of her move: her pursuit of Irish citizenship. “I’m in the process of getting Irish citizenship as my grandparents hail from the country,” she explained, highlighting a familial connection that made the relocation more than just a spontaneous decision. Her father, Edward Joseph O’Donnell, had emigrated from County Donegal as a child, and her mother’s Irish-American roots further tied her to the Emerald Isle. This heritage, combined with her current circumstances, made Ireland an appealing destination.
While O’Donnell didn’t explicitly name Trump in the video, her references to the political situation in the U.S. were unmistakable. “It’s been heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically and hard for me personally as well,” she said, echoing sentiments she has expressed throughout her career. “The personal is political, as we all know.” This statement, delivered with a quiet resolve, hinted at the deeper reasons behind her departure—a topic she would expand upon indirectly through her reflections on safety and equality.
Why Ireland? Unpacking the Reasons for Her Move
Rosie O’Donnell’s decision to move to Ireland was not made lightly. It was a calculated response to a confluence of factors, with the political climate in the United States serving as the primary catalyst. Donald Trump’s re-election in November 2024, culminating in his second term beginning on January 20, 2025, marked a turning point for O’Donnell. Her disdain for Trump is well-documented, dating back to the early 2000s when she criticized him on The View over his personal scandals. The feud escalated during his first presidential campaign in 2016, with Trump retaliating via Twitter and public remarks, calling her “a loser” and “crude.” O’Donnell, in turn, became one of his most vocal detractors, using her platform to oppose his policies and rhetoric.
The 2024 election, which saw Trump defeat his opponent in a contentious race, reignited this tension. For O’Donnell, Trump’s return to power symbolized a regression in the progress she had long championed—particularly in areas like civil rights and equality. In her TikTok video, she stated, “When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that’s when we will consider coming back.” This remark suggests that she views Trump’s second term as a threat to the values she holds dear, including protections for the LGBTQ+ community, women’s rights, and marginalized groups—issues she has consistently supported throughout her career.
Beyond her personal animosity toward Trump, O’Donnell’s move reflects broader disillusionment with the state of American democracy. The 2024 election cycle was marked by intense polarization, with debates over voting rights, reproductive freedom, and immigration dominating the national conversation. For someone like O’Donnell, who has raised five children—four from previous relationships and Dakota, whom she adopted with her late ex-wife Michelle Rounds—the prospect of raising her youngest child in such an environment may have felt untenable. “I just felt like we needed to take care of ourselves and make some hard decisions and follow through,” she said in the video, framing the move as a protective measure for her daughter, whom she sometimes refers to as Clay.
Ireland, by contrast, offered a starkly different landscape. Known for its progressive strides in recent decades—such as legalizing same-sex marriage in 2015 and repealing the Eighth Amendment on abortion in 2018—Ireland likely appealed to O’Donnell as a safer, more inclusive place to raise her child. Additionally, her ancestral ties to the country provided a sense of belonging that transcended mere political expediency. “I was never someone who thought I would move to another country,” she confessed, “but that’s what I decided would be the best for myself and my 12-year-old child. And here we are.”
The decision also aligns with a personal narrative of resilience and reinvention. O’Donnell has faced numerous challenges in her life, from the loss of her mother to high-profile divorces and health struggles, including a heart attack in 2012. Moving to Ireland can be seen as another chapter in this story—a bold step to reclaim agency in the face of adversity.
Life in Ireland: Adjusting to a New Home
Since arriving in Ireland on January 15, 2025, Rosie O’Donnell has begun to settle into her new surroundings, sharing snippets of her experience with her followers. Her TikTok video painted a picture of a warm and welcoming environment, with the Irish people earning high praise for their kindness. “The people are so loving and so kind, so welcoming,” she reiterated, suggesting that the transition, while challenging, has been eased by the hospitality she’s encountered.
O’Donnell has also injected humor into her updates, acknowledging the practical adjustments required in her new life. In an Instagram post dated March 7, 2025, she wrote, “Bought a little used car to tool around the countryside on the wrong side of the road—hit the curb three times—thought I hit a cat!!” This lighthearted anecdote reflects her willingness to embrace the quirks of Irish life, such as driving on the left side of the road—a stark contrast to the U.S.
Yet, the move has not been without its difficulties. Leaving behind her four older children, all of whom are adults or nearing adulthood, has been a source of emotional strain. “I miss my other kids,” she said in the TikTok video, her voice tinged with sadness. Parker, Chelsea, Blake, and Vivienne, born during her marriages to Kelli Carpenter and Michelle Rounds, have remained in the U.S., creating a physical distance that O’Donnell clearly feels. She also mentioned missing her friends and the familiarity of her life in America, underscoring the bittersweet nature of her decision.
Despite these challenges, O’Donnell appears committed to building a new life in Ireland. Her pursuit of Irish citizenship is a significant step in this direction, symbolizing a long-term investment in her adopted home. The process, facilitated by her grandparents’ Irish origins, is underway, and she expressed enthusiasm about the prospect in her video. “I’m in the process of getting Irish citizenship,” she said, a note of pride in her voice. This move not only secures her legal status but also deepens her connection to her heritage, offering a sense of continuity amid change.
Public Reactions: Support, Criticism, and Debate
O’Donnell’s announcement sparked a wide range of responses, reflecting the polarized climate she sought to escape. On social media platforms like X, fans and detractors alike weighed in on her decision. Supporters praised her for taking a stand and prioritizing her family’s well-being. A user named @Jules31415 posted on March 11, 2025: “Rosie O’Donnell moved to Ireland as she believes it’s the ‘best’ choice for her and her child. She’ll consider returning to the US when ‘it’s safe’ and all citizens have ‘equal rights.’ She calls what’s happening ‘politically’ in the US ‘heartbreaking.’” This sentiment resonated with those who view her move as a courageous act of defiance against a political system they too find troubling.
Critics, however, were quick to challenge her choice. Some accused her of abandoning the U.S. at a time when voices like hers are needed most. “To believe you have the luxury of cutting and running must be nice,” wrote @TLaTela on March 11, 2025, in response to a Hollywood Reporter article about the move. Others dismissed her departure as an overreaction, questioning whether the political situation warranted such a drastic step. These critiques highlight a recurring tension in discussions about celebrity activism: the perception that public figures, with their wealth and mobility, can opt out of societal struggles in ways unavailable to most people.
The media response was similarly mixed. Outlets like The Hollywood Reporter and Yahoo News covered the story with a focus on the political undertones, framing O’Donnell’s move as part of a larger narrative of celebrity discontent following Trump’s 2024 victory. Her decision drew comparisons to other high-profile relocations, amplifying the conversation about the intersection of fame and politics.
A Broader Trend: Celebrities Leaving the U.S.
O’Donnell’s move to Ireland is not an isolated incident but part of a growing trend among celebrities disillusioned with the U.S. political landscape. Following Trump’s re-election, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi reportedly relocated to England, with sources citing the election as a key factor. Director James Cameron has also spoken about his plans to move to New Zealand, describing the U.S. political climate as “horrifying.” These examples echo earlier instances during Trump’s first term, when stars like Samuel L. Jackson and Bryan Cranston hinted at leaving the country—though many such statements were rhetorical rather than actionable.
What sets O’Donnell apart is the specificity of her reasoning and the personal stakes involved. Her move is not just a symbolic gesture but a tangible response to her concerns about raising her daughter in the U.S. It also reflects a privilege unique to celebrities: the ability to act on such decisions with relative ease, thanks to financial resources and, in O’Donnell’s case, ancestral ties that facilitate citizenship.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Rooted in Principle and Heritage
Rosie O’Donnell’s move to Ireland is a multifaceted story—of political disillusionment, personal sacrifice, and a return to familial roots. Her decision, revealed through a heartfelt TikTok video, underscores the profound impact of the 2024 U.S. election on her life and the lengths she was willing to go to ensure her daughter’s safety and well-being. While the move has drawn both praise and criticism, it remains a deeply personal choice, one that reflects her values and her history.
As she adjusts to life in Ireland, O’Donnell’s journey offers a lens through which to view the broader challenges facing the United States. Her story is a reminder of the power of individual agency, even in the face of systemic turmoil, and the enduring pull of heritage in shaping one’s path. Whether she returns to the U.S. someday or remains in Ireland, Rosie O’Donnell’s relocation marks a significant chapter in her life—one that will continue to spark discussion and reflection for years to come.
