Daniel O’Donnell has had a particularly difficult year in 2023, one marked by both personal loss and the challenges of caring for loved ones. In a reflective interview, he spoke about the deaths of his sister Kathleen Doogan and his mother-in-law Marion Roche, as well as the health battle his long-time manager, Kieran Cavanagh, is facing. Despite the tough times, Daniel also took comfort in the positives, like the success of his recent album How Lucky I Must Be and the overwhelming support from his fans, especially those in the United States.
Kathleen’s sudden passing in February was a devastating blow to Daniel, as she was the matriarch of the O’Donnell family. She was only 67 years old, and her death came as a huge shock to everyone who knew her. Daniel described her as a larger-than-life figure in both the family and the community, a presence that is now greatly missed. He reflected on the difficulty of no longer being able to turn to her for family updates, especially after she had played such an integral role in his life, often acting as a link to the family’s news and happenings. “Now, I look up rip.ie and the two local undertakers to keep in touch, and when I hear somebody has died, I think immediately, ‘I need to phone Kathleen.’ But she’s no longer here.”
In September, another loss came when his mother-in-law, Marion Roche, passed away. Marion, who had been living with dementia, died somewhat suddenly, and Daniel recounted a time in August when he had visited her in a nursing home just days before her passing. Although Marion’s illness had taken a toll on her health, Daniel found solace in the fact that she didn’t suffer for long. He spoke about the difficulty of adjusting to a new normal after losing such close family members and reflected on how many other families, too, were enduring their own struggles.
Adding to the challenges, Daniel’s friend and manager, Kieran Cavanagh, was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which shocked everyone close to him. Kieran, who has been an instrumental part of Daniel’s career, had a successful first round of treatment, and Daniel remains hopeful that his friend will recover. In the interview, Daniel emphasized the depth of their friendship, saying that Kieran has been essential not just professionally but personally. “Kieran did absolutely everything for me career-wise. I did nothing other than sing, but apart from the work, we have a good friendship too,” Daniel explained.
Despite these personal hardships, Daniel found immense joy in his fans’ love and support, particularly from the U.S., where he has gained a significant following due to his television appearances. His recent tour across the United States was a testament to this growing fanbase, with new faces at nearly every show. He recalled a touching moment in Florida when a couple traveled over seven hours just to see him perform. The woman had been so moved by his TV appearances that she told her husband, “I hope I live long enough to see Daniel O’Donnell in concert.” The heartfelt story reminded Daniel why he continues to perform, with the joy of his fans now being as rewarding as any achievement from his early career.
Despite all the emotional turmoil, Daniel has remained focused on what brings him happiness – his music, his fans, and his family. His album How Lucky I Must Be has been well-received, and his ability to still connect with fans after decades in the industry is a testament to the timeless appeal of his music and his genuine connection to the people who support him.
In reflecting on his journey, Daniel said, “The feeling is different now for me than it was in the beginning of my career. When I started out, it was a drive to achieve, now it’s seeing the joy it gives people.” His humility and the deep sense of gratitude he feels for his fans shine through as he moves forward, balancing his personal life with the rewarding connection he has built with the audience that continues to adore him.