Daniel O’Donnell and Majella Decline Offers to Join ‘Dancing With The Stars’ in 2024
Country music icon Daniel O’Donnell, known for his chart-topping hits and charming presence, has confirmed that neither he nor his wife Majella will be joining the lineup of Dancing With The Stars in 2024. Despite repeated invitations for Majella to appear on the popular RTÉ show, Daniel stated that it just wasn’t the right fit for them at this time.
In a recent conversation following the release of his new album, How Lucky I Must Be, Daniel shared that Majella had been approached by the show’s producers multiple times over the years, but her response had always been a polite refusal. He explained, “I don’t think so. She’s been asked numerous times, but I don’t know if Majella would be able to. She had a double mastectomy, and she would find the upper part of her body very tiring for something like that.”
Daniel continued, emphasizing that while Majella was honored by the invitations, she simply didn’t feel it was the right choice for her. “Obviously, she’s grateful to be asked. It’s a huge commitment, too,” he added.
Daniel’s own experience on a similar show, Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, was something he greatly enjoyed. While it was an exciting challenge, he admitted that his busy schedule and other commitments made him wary of returning to that world. When asked if he would consider joining Dancing With The Stars himself, Daniel chuckled and said, “No. I don’t think I would. I did Strictly. I love it, and I think it is fantastic. I hope that RTÉ will be able to continue with it. It’s a great show, and it’s great that we have our version in Ireland.”
Busy Touring Schedule
Though Daniel and Majella won’t be joining the Dancing With The Stars family, the pair is hardly slowing down. Daniel revealed that his schedule for the next year is packed, with a tour across the United States scheduled until mid-December, followed by international shows in Australia and New Zealand in February and March.
“I’ve had an album every year since 1983. We have 32 shows until December 15 (in America),” Daniel said, with enthusiasm. “Then in the New Year, we are in Australia and New Zealand in February and March. In May and August, we’ll be doing different shows in Ireland.”
Majella, who is supportive of her husband’s career, will be accompanying him on his travels, especially for the Australian and New Zealand dates. “She will go to Australia because Michael (Daniel’s stepson and Majella’s son) lives in Australia, and her sister lives in New Zealand, so she is going to go,” Daniel added.
Slowing Down to Enjoy Life
Despite his busy touring schedule, Daniel reassured fans that he isn’t overworking himself as he once did. He has made the decision to slow down and spend more quality time with his family, especially after completing his rigorous tour dates. “I have lots of time off. People think I’m working all the time, but when I finish in December, I don’t do anything until the 21st of February,” he said, adding, “I’ve slowed down to what I used to do. I’m not doing as much as I used to at all.”
Daniel’s ability to balance his career and family life is something that has always been important to him, and this more relaxed approach to touring reflects his commitment to making the most of his time both on and off the stage. His fans can rest assured that despite a packed schedule, he is still dedicated to enjoying the other aspects of life.
So while Daniel and Majella may not be making an appearance on Dancing With The Stars anytime soon, their lives are still full of excitement, family, and music. And for those lucky enough to catch one of Daniel’s upcoming shows, his performances will surely remain as captivating as ever, with no sign of slowing down when it comes to delivering heartfelt songs and unforgettable experiences for his fans.