Daniel O’Donnell Reflects on Life, Love, and Career — With a Duet Wish for Westlife
DUBLIN — Four decades into a career that has made him one of Ireland’s most enduring musical exports, Daniel O’Donnell shows no signs of slowing down. With more than 15 million album sales and a record-breaking streak of 35 consecutive years in the U.K. Top 40, the Donegal-born singer has revealed his 2023 wish list — and at the top is a surprising dream collaboration: a duet with Irish pop superstars Westlife.
“I wouldn’t mind dueting with Westlife at all,” O’Donnell told the Irish Sunday Mirror. “But sure them young lads now, would they be wanting an auld fella like me? I’m open to things like that. I’ve dueted with lots of young country singers, doing bits and pieces with them.”
The choice carries a personal connection. Westlife’s Flying Without Wings was a favorite of Daniel and his wife, Majella, when they first met in Tenerife. “It was our song,” he recalled. “We used to sing it in the bars. We love it.”
For O’Donnell, who turned 61 in December 2022, the journey from signing early records at a market stall in Wembley in the 1980s to filling prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall still feels surreal. “I must have believed in what I was doing,” he said. “But I never thought I’d play those stages. I’ve been very lucky. I never take it for granted.”
He attributes part of his longevity to avoiding the pitfalls of showbusiness. A lifelong teetotaler, he says alcohol “never appealed to me — it didn’t do anything for me. So why would you bother? I was still the same with or without it.” That discipline, combined with a reputation for warmth and accessibility, has made him beloved by fans across generations.
Now, with social media bringing him new audiences, O’Donnell has embraced TikTok with humor and humility. “I don’t know if it would make the youngsters come to the shows,” he said, laughing. “But who knows? If you’re not in, you won’t win.”
Away from the spotlight, Daniel and Majella prioritize experiences. After her successful battle with cancer, the couple exchanged Christmas gifts in the form of a Caribbean cruise — a tradition of making memories they cherish deeply. “When it comes to experiences, we’d rather do it than say we wish we did it,” he said. “We’re very blessed we can.”
Daniel also spoke openly about Majella’s courage in addressing her struggles with depression, praising her decision to put self-care first. “She has certain things she does to look after herself,” he explained. “If she doesn’t want to go somewhere, she just doesn’t go. We make no apologies for it. When you’re not well mentally, you have to look after yourself first and foremost.”
The singer says faith remains a cornerstone of his life. Raised Catholic, he prays often and views life’s small moments as signs of something greater. “If things are going wrong, faith gives you strength,” he said. “Little things that happen — you can call them coincidences, miracles, or signs. Whatever you want to put on them.”
O’Donnell has no timeline for retirement, even as he contemplates a future with less touring. “I don’t think I’ll always tour,” he admitted, “but I hope I’ll always sing.”
At home in Donegal, the house he and Majella renovated with TV architect Dermot Bannon still brings him joy. “Dermot did a great job — we still absolutely love the house,” Daniel said. “I’m sitting here now looking through to the kitchen, the stairs, the fireplace — it’s just beautiful.”
For fans, Daniel O’Donnell remains the same as ever: humble, grounded, and committed to music, family, and faith. Whether or not a Westlife duet comes to pass, the singer continues to find new ways to bridge generations while holding fast to the values that made him a star.