Comedian and television personality Rosie O'Donnell has publicly addressed and debunked swirling rumours suggesting she was planning a dramatic return to the United States to compete on the popular celebrity dance competition, Dancing with the Stars. The 64-year-old expatriate, who currently resides in Ireland, took to social media to clarify the situation after an AI-generated mock news report began circulating online.
AI-Generated Report Sparks Amusement
The fabricated report, which O'Donnell shared with her 5.1 million followers, boldly claimed: 'Rosie O'Donnell makes Dancing with the Stars debut. She returns to the US in an epic comeback!' In her Monday post, the twelve-time Emmy Award winner responded with characteristic humour, writing: 'This made me laugh. Reminds me to never get a perm! Completely untrue but funny.'
No Plans for a Stateside Return
When directly questioned by an Instagram user, @juliaaltona, who asked if she wanted to return to the United States, O'Donnell offered a succinct and definitive reply: 'No.' This firmly quashes any speculation about her participation in the upcoming thirty-fifth season of the ABC programme, which is scheduled to premiere in September, with the full cast lineup expected to be announced that same month.
A Distinguished Career Beyond Dance
While O'Donnell might not be known for her dancing prowess, she boasts an impressive theatrical background. The accomplished performer was honoured with the prestigious Tony Award's Isabelle Stevenson Award in 2014, recognising her humanitarian efforts. Her Broadway credentials include starring roles in three major musical productions: Grease in 1994, Seussical in 2000, and Fiddler on the Roof in 2005.
Family Focus and Recent Milestones
O'Donnell's attention appears firmly fixed on family matters rather than television comebacks. On March 26, she welcomed her fifth grandchild, Anthony Joel O'Donnell, born to her 26-year-old son Blake and his wife Teresa. The Long Island native recently travelled back to New York with her 13-year-old non-binary child, Clay, to meet the newborn and spend time with Blake and her 23-year-old daughter, Vivienne. However, she has already returned to her home in Ireland as of last Friday.
The former talk show host's family life has seen both joy and challenge. She welcomed Blake and Vivienne during her three-year relationship with her first ex-wife, Kelli Carpenter, which ended in 2007. O'Donnell adopted Clay, formerly known as Dakota, during her two-year marriage to her late second ex-wife, Michelle Rounds; that marriage concluded in 2015. She is also mother to 30-year-old son Parker.
Addressing Difficult Family Circumstances
O'Donnell has been open about her estranged relationship with her 28-year-old daughter, Chelsea. In October, Chelsea was sentenced to prison in Wisconsin on charges including meth possession, bail jumping, and resisting or obstructing an officer. At the time, O'Donnell shared a childhood photograph of her daughter on social media, accompanied by a heartfelt message: 'My child Chelsea Belle - before addiction took over her life - I loved her then. I love her now as she faces a scary future. Prayers welcomed. #addiction awareness.'
Life in Ireland and Political Commentary
The actress, known for her role in SPoRKartOON and whose grandparents hailed from Ireland, relocated to Dublin in January 2025. She is reportedly still 'in the process' of obtaining Irish citizenship. As an outspoken Democrat, O'Donnell has a long-standing and very public feud with former President Donald Trump, which dates back to 2006. Trump has previously threatened to revoke her American citizenship, a move that would be unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.
Earlier this year, O'Donnell elaborated on her decision to leave the US during an appearance on SiriusXM's Cuomo Mornings, stating: 'I don't regret leaving at all. I think I did what I needed to do to save myself, my child and my sanity. There's a feeling that something is really wrong and no one is doing anything about it.'
Professionally, the And Just Like That guest star has been developing a one-woman show titled Common Knowledge, which is currently in the workshop phase. This new project seems to be where her creative energies are directed, rather than any speculated dance floor debut.
