Rosie O’Donnell, celebrated comedian, actress, and outspoken political critic, has made an unexpected and permanent move to Ireland, leaving the United States behind. The decision has sparked intense interest among her millions of followers and ignited discussions about the current American social and political climate.
Subtle clues about Rosie’s major life shift emerged earlier in March when she casually shared a humorous glimpse into her new daily routine on social media. She posted a selfie from behind the wheel of a modestly-priced, used vehicle she’d bought to explore the scenic Irish countryside.
With characteristic wit, Rosie admitted to the struggle of adjusting to driving on the left side of the road, jokingly confessing she “hit the curb three times” and momentarily feared she’d accidentally struck a cat. Her post, tagged “#newadventures,” initially seemed merely playful, but it subtly hinted at a far deeper transition.
Finally, in a deeply emotional nine-minute video, Rosie broke the full story to her audience. She explained her departure from America as an extremely difficult yet necessary step, driven largely by personal distress and disillusionment over the country’s political trajectory under President Donald Trump. Rosie has never concealed her disdain for Trump’s politics and behavior, and this longstanding conflict ultimately contributed to her drastic decision to settle abroad.
Rosie’s relocation echoes a broader trend among celebrities growing weary of the current American political landscape. Actor Richard Gere notably took a similar leap, recently selling his luxurious Connecticut estate for $11 million and embracing a fresh start in Madrid, Spain. Gere described his move as an exciting “new adventure,” highlighting the allure of experiencing life beyond American borders amidst political uncertainty at home.
Similarly, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi chose the quiet, picturesque English countryside as their sanctuary, publicly stating their happiness at the opportunity to “explore the world together.” Their decision, too, arose partly from discomfort with America’s changing political and social dynamics.
Rosie, aged 62, candidly revealed to her followers how genuinely welcoming the Irish people have been since her arrival. She described her new environment warmly, referring to the locals as “kind-hearted and compassionate.” The transition has been positive, yet Rosie admitted it was emotionally challenging, acknowledging the painful separation from friends, family, and familiar comforts left behind in America.
In her own reflective words, Rosie confessed: “I never imagined myself as someone who would live anywhere but America. But this felt like the right choice, not just for me, but especially for my 12-year-old child. It’s strange to leave so much behind, but it felt necessary.”
Nevertheless, the comedian expressed a bittersweet longing for home, noting the absence of her other children and close friends. She shared a vulnerable hope of eventually finding true belonging in Ireland, emphasizing her ongoing journey to adjust fully to her new life abroad.
Addressing her millions of loyal supporters, Rosie expressed deep sadness over the state of political affairs in America, particularly under Trump’s second administration. She declared that her return to America would depend upon significant changes in the country’s political climate, particularly regarding civil liberties and equal rights.
“It breaks my heart to witness what’s happening back home,” Rosie stated emotionally, emphasizing how personal the political situation has become for her. She explained further that “when America becomes safe and fair again for all its citizens,” she might consider returning.
Throughout her career, Rosie has never shied away from confronting contentious issues publicly. Even recently, she fiercely criticized Time magazine for naming Donald Trump as “Man of the Year” in 2024. In her typical fiery style, Rosie blasted the magazine’s decision, sarcastically suggesting alternate titles such as “most dangerous man of the year,” and labeling Trump as potentially “the worst president in American history.”
Ultimately, Rosie’s bold decision to leave America permanently for Ireland has fueled a broader conversation about the role politics plays in shaping personal lives, prompting many to reflect deeply on what home truly means. Her frankness in sharing both her joys and struggles continues to resonate profoundly with followers worldwide, proving that sometimes the most courageous moves arise from moments of vulnerability.