Daniel O’Donnell Hopes to Duet with Robbie Williams and Reflects on His Friendship with Cliff Richard
Daniel O’Donnell has enjoyed a career that spans over 30 years, marked by 15 million album sales and countless accolades, but the Irish singer still finds time to reflect on the incredible moments that have defined his journey. From a 20-year marriage to wife Majella to becoming a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, Daniel’s career continues to flourish with his fans’ unwavering support.
2022 was a monumental year for Daniel. Not only did he celebrate his 20th wedding anniversary with Majella, but he also entered his sixties with a new album, “I Wish You Well”, that marked his 35th consecutive year on the Top 40. “To think all those years that people have been following me, and people are so loyal, especially here in the UK,” Daniel said. “It’s great that I’ve been able to record every year. I’ve even got next year’s album almost finished!”
While Daniel’s core audience remains steadfast, he’s also reaching new generations. “Younger people are starting to come out to the shows now,” he said. “I’m not saying there’s a load of teenagers. Well, there are some who come—but I think they’ve been coerced!”
Looking back on his career, one significant milestone for Daniel was being made an MBE in 2002 for his services to the music industry. He was handed his award by Prince Charles, who Daniel described as “pleasant and nice.” He fondly recalls the brief meeting, with the Prince speaking to his family members and making it a memory Daniel will never forget.
Daniel’s love for music, however, goes beyond his own achievements. He has always admired his peers, and two of his idols—Loretta Lynn and Cliff Richard—hold special places in his heart. “I was very sad to lose Loretta, but we had a lovely friendship,” he said. “I would talk to her on the phone every so often, and I visited her a few times at her home in Tennessee. I got to record with her, which was lovely.”
Daniel has also developed a deep friendship with Cliff Richard, whom he first met years ago. “The first time I met Cliff I was tongue-tied, I have to be honest,” Daniel confessed. “Majella and I have grown to be great friends of his, and we cherish the friendship we have. I was a huge fan of his for years, so I’m very privileged to get to know all these people I was a fan of.” Reflecting on his favorite memories with Cliff, Daniel said, “The quiet times we’d spend at his home or sometimes going on cruises together or holidays… It’s very normal. We just have a nice time and a good laugh.”
But it’s not just country legends Daniel admires. He also jokingly mentioned Robbie Williams as a potential duet partner: “I joke sometimes that myself and Robbie Williams would make a good team, but I don’t know how Robbie would feel about that,” he laughed. “That would be a big shock for Robbie’s fans, I think, if I appeared.”
Beyond his music, Daniel enjoys a rich family life. He met Majella in 1999 in Tenerife, and the couple recently celebrated 20 years of marriage with a luxury cruise. Daniel, who turned 61 recently, is also a loving stepfather to Majella’s children, Michael (who lives in Melbourne, Australia) and Siobhan, as well as their grandchildren, Olivia (7), Archie (5), and Luke (1). “The grandchildren are a great bonus to our lives,” Daniel says, smiling. “They’ve brought us so much joy!”
Daniel has dabbled in reality TV, with a memorable stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015. He still fondly recalls the experience, admitting, “It was the best and the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done in my life. I was never as nervous as I was on Strictly.” He still keeps in touch with his dance partner Kristina Rihanoff and her family, even meeting up with them in Tenerife last year.
While he’s conquered the Strictly dance floor, Daniel has no interest in joining the ranks of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! “I think I would die!” he joked about the idea of eating bugs in the jungle. However, he is looking forward to spending Christmas with his family, especially as Michael will be home for the first time since the pandemic.
As 2024 unfolds, Daniel will prepare for his 12-date UK and Ireland tour in May, which will include meet-and-greets with fans. “I know some of them by name, I know a lot of them by sight,” he said. “A lot of them have come for years, and I know them well.”
Daniel O’Donnell’s enduring success and ability to connect with his audience is a testament to his warmth, sincerity, and the strong relationships he has built along his journey. Whether it’s sharing the stage with legends or spending quality time with his loved ones, Daniel continues to inspire those around him.