Rosie O’Donnell Packs Her Bags: Comedian Relocates to Ireland for Equality and Kindness

In a twist that seems pulled straight from a whimsical rom-com, Rosie O’Donnell has officially traded her American zip code for an address in Ireland. Confirming her move on TikTok, the comedian revealed that she relocated to the Emerald Isle on January 15 with her 12-year-old daughter, Dakota, and the news comes as no surprise to those who caught her cheeky Instagram hints just a few days prior. “I bought a little used car to tool around the countryside on the wrong side of the road,” she quipped, giving her followers a sneak peek into her new life abroad.
In her TikTok reveal, O’Donnell expressed her gratitude for the “loving and kind” Irish people, a sentiment that resonates with many expatriates who have found solace in the warmth of Irish hospitality. As she embarks on this new chapter, O’Donnell is also in the process of obtaining Irish citizenship, a nod to her heritage—her grandparents were originally from Ireland.
However, her move isn’t merely a quest for scenic views and friendly faces. In a heartfelt message, she articulated that her family’s relocation was motivated by a desire for safety and equality. “When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that’s when we will consider coming back,” she stated, a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles for civil rights and social justice that have plagued the U.S., particularly in the wake of political shifts since Donald Trump’s presidency.
O’Donnell’s candid remarks echo sentiments shared by many Americans disillusioned by the changing political landscape. According to a 2021 Gallup poll, nearly 60% of Americans expressed dissatisfaction with the state of affairs, suggesting that her feelings are far from isolated. The comedian’s heartfelt musings on missing her friends and family back home serve as a relatable touchstone for countless individuals grappling with similar feelings of homesickness amid a turbulent sociopolitical climate.
As she settles into her new surroundings, the world watches with bated breath, wondering if Rosie will find the peace she seeks in Ireland—or if she’ll eventually return to the land of the free. Until then, may her adventures along the “wrong side of the road” be filled with laughter, compassion, and perhaps a pint or two of Guinness.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine
Image Credit: Title: Untitled, Author: No author info, License: [‘cc_attribute’, ‘cc_nonderived’, ‘cc_publicdomain’]