Daniel O’Donnell Reflects on 60 Years of Life and Pays Tribute to His Late Father on The Late Late Show
Dublin, Ireland — Beloved Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell marked a deeply personal milestone on RTÉ One’s The Late Late Show this week, reflecting on his 60th birthday and opening up about the powerful memories of his late father, Francis O’Donnell, whose influence continues to guide him after all these years.
The Donegal-born entertainer, known for his humility and warmth, spoke candidly with host Ryan Tubridy about life, legacy, and the lessons learned over six decades in music and family life. As always, Daniel’s tone was gentle, sincere, and filled with gratitude — a hallmark of the man who has long been affectionately known as “Ireland’s favorite son.”
“It’s strange to think of being sixty,” Daniel admitted with a smile. “I still feel like the same lad from Kincasslagh who used to sing at local halls for a few pounds and a sandwich afterward. Time goes quickly, but I’m thankful for every bit of it — the good and the bad — because it’s all part of what shapes you.”
During the heartfelt conversation, Daniel shared touching stories about his childhood and the deep impact his father had on him before his untimely passing when Daniel was only six years old. “Even though my dad’s life was short, the stories my mother told us about him made him feel very present,” Daniel reflected. “He was a kind man, a hard worker, and I like to think I got a bit of that from him. I often wonder what he’d think of the life I’ve had — and I hope he’d be proud.”
The singer’s voice softened as he recalled moments from his youth growing up in a small Donegal home filled with music, faith, and resilience. “We didn’t have much, but there was always laughter, always singing,” he said. “Those were the roots of everything that came later — the reason I love performing, the reason I never take anything for granted.”
Daniel also spoke about the influence of his late mother, Julia O’Donnell, who encouraged his early career and whose memory he has honored many times through song. “Mammy had such faith in me,” he said. “She’d sit at the kitchen table, listening to my first recordings on cassette, and she’d say, ‘You’ll go far, Daniel — but don’t forget where you came from.’ And I never have.”
Looking back on his career — which spans four decades, over 40 albums, and countless sold-out concerts around the world — Daniel expressed both surprise and gratitude for his continued success. “I never set out to be famous,” he said. “All I ever wanted was to make people happy. When someone tells me a song helped them through a hard time, that means more to me than any chart position ever could.”
The segment also included a surprise video montage featuring messages from longtime fans, fellow musicians, and even Majella O’Donnell, Daniel’s wife, who praised his kindness and his ability to “make everyone feel like family.” The visibly moved singer smiled as the audience applauded, holding back tears. “I’m very blessed,” he said softly. “Truly blessed.”
As the conversation came to a close, Daniel offered one of his signature reflections — part wisdom, part humility: “Life goes fast, but it’s beautiful. The older I get, the more I realize that success isn’t measured in awards or fame. It’s in love, friendship, and the memories you leave behind. My dad didn’t live long, but his memory still lives on in us. If my songs can do that for someone else, then I’ve done enough.”
Before leaving the stage, Daniel performed a gentle rendition of “Footsteps,” dedicating it to his father and to “all those we love but no longer see.” The performance, tender and filled with emotion, brought the studio audience to their feet — a fitting close to an evening that reminded viewers why Daniel O’Donnell remains one of Ireland’s most cherished voices.
As he celebrates 60 years of life and over 40 years in music, one thing is certain: Daniel O’Donnell’s heart, humility, and faith continue to make him not just a national treasure — but a timeless symbol of grace and gratitude.