Rosie O’Donnell’s shocking reason for leaving the U.S. exposed.
Rosie O’Donnell has confirmed rumors swirling for weeks—she’s left the U.S. and moved to Ireland with her 12-year-old child, Clay.
Prelude to Rosie’s relocation clarified.
The speculation about Rosie’s move started gaining momentum earlier this year when she posted a video on social media talking about learning to drive on the “wrong side of the road.”
In her March 7 Instagram post, she humorously shared her driving experience: “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!!!”
It was this post that sparked many fans to question whether Rosie was still living in the U.S., as she seemed to be enjoying a very different lifestyle overseas.
While Rosie didn’t outright say it, her social media hints pointed to a desire for a break from the chaos, further amplifying speculation about her drastic change in location.
More stars making bold moves overseas disclosed.
Rosie’s move follows a growing trend of celebrities leaving Hollywood for calmer pastures in other countries.
Ellen DeGeneres, who also had a tumultuous year, has relocated to England after her eponymous talk show ended. Her decision was partly influenced by Trump’s return to office.
Ellen and her wife Portia de Rossi have made it clear that the political shift in the U.S. was a deciding factor in their relocation. It’s clear that many are reacting similarly.
Eliza Dushku, another star known for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Bring It On,” moved into the mental health field, another example of celebrities opting for new careers outside Hollywood.
These high-profile moves highlight a larger trend: the desire to escape the pressure, toxicity, and turbulence of the entertainment industry.
For Rosie, it seems clear that her move to Ireland is more than just a fresh start—it’s a statement.
Rosie’s big move profiled.
The 62-year-old shares five children in total. She and her late ex-wife, Michelle Rounds, have 12-year-old Clay together, while Rosie also shares older kids with ex-wife Kelli Carpenter.
Clay, now 12, has made the move with Rosie, and their new life in Ireland is already shaping up to be a significant shift in their family’s journey.
In addition to settling into her new home, Rosie is in the process of securing her Irish citizenship, thanks to her grandparents’ heritage.
“The process is underway,” Rosie revealed, as she prepares to embrace her Irish roots more formally.
Despite her positive outlook, Rosie admits to feeling homesick at times. “I miss my other kids,” she admitted, missing her older children who are still living in the U.S.
Rosie is actively trying to find a new home in the beautiful Irish countryside, but the change of pace has been challenging in some ways.
Her longing for home isn’t just about her children; it’s also about missing the familiar comforts of the U.S. The reality of moving abroad isn’t all sunshine.
But there’s a bigger reason why Rosie packed her bags and left America.
Rosie’s justification for Ireland move revealed.
The comedian shared her reasons for the sudden move, shedding light on her life in the European country after fleeing the political chaos of America.
In a TikTok video posted March 11, Rosie explained that life in Ireland has been “pretty wonderful,” even admitting that the Irish people have been incredibly welcoming.
“It’s been pretty wonderful, I have to say,” Rosie said in the video. “The people are so loving and so kind, so welcoming, and I’m very grateful.”
Rosie pointed directly at the political climate—specifically, the controversial policies under President Donald Trump.
“When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that’s when we will consider coming back,” Rosie said, hinting that it was a factor in her decision to leave.
She emphasized that “the personal is political,” acknowledging that the current state of American politics made staying unbearable for her.
As Trump returned to office in January 2025, Rosie found herself more disillusioned with the political direction of the U.S., particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
This is not the first time the two have clashed. Rosie has long been an outspoken critic of Trump, and his presidency appears to have finally prompted her decision to leave.
Rosie’s next chapter in Ireland—what’s next?
With more stars like Ellen, Eliza, and even Meghan Markle making moves abroad, it might be a growing trend for celebrities to seek solace away from the madness of Hollywood and U.S. politics.
For now, Rosie is enjoying her quiet life in Ireland, contemplating her next steps and enjoying the peace that comes with it.
Though she misses her friends and children, the political landscape will continue to weigh on Rosie’s heart—and, perhaps, her eventual return to America.
If things change politically in the U.S., it’s possible Rosie may reconsider, but for now, she is content living a slower-paced life in Ireland, at least temporarily.
Rosie’s bold move underscores a larger trend of political and personal disillusionment in Hollywood. Whether or not she’ll come back depends on more than just the headlines; it’s about how America changes.