Daniel O’Donnell Reveals Why He’s Taking a Break From Music — “Everybody Reaches a Time When They Can’t Keep Going the Same Way”
Irish country music legend Daniel O’Donnell has opened up about his decision to step back from music and touring next year, saying he needs time to reassess how he wants his career to look going forward. The beloved singer, who has spent nearly four decades performing across Ireland, the UK, and the world, said the past year has made him realize that he needs to slow down — but he reassures fans that he is not retiring.
Daniel explained that after completing his upcoming concerts in the UK and the United States — including his final 2024 performance in Kincasslagh, a special Christmas gospel show for the local church and school — he will take a proper break beginning in December. The goal, he says, is to rest, reset, and gain clarity about the next chapter of his musical life.
Importantly, Daniel emphasized that his decision has nothing to do with any serious health issues. “I am fine,” he said plainly. He noted that he has been dealing with allergies and some mild chest issues, but he stressed that medication has helped him greatly. “I do feel grand,” he said, adding that he plans to take time off medication temporarily to determine what exactly caused the discomfort.
“Everybody reaches a time where they think they can’t continue doing it this way,” Daniel shared. “And this last year, I’ve been thinking that.”
Although he will significantly reduce his workload, Daniel reassured fans that he will not disappear from the music world entirely. Even during his sabbatical, he has commitments he will continue to honor, including performing on Gertrude Byrne’s cruise in the coming years and remaining involved in the beloved Mary of Dungloe Festival, which he has supported throughout his career. He also hopes that future tapings of the popular Opry shows for TG4 will still take place.
Still, Daniel made it clear that he plans to step back from the relentless pace of touring that has defined most of his life. When he eventually returns to full-time performing, he envisions doing things “very differently.”
“Hopefully going forward, I will just do two shows,” he revealed, though he added that he still needs time to think through what format will suit him best. For Daniel, the goal is to find a healthier, more sustainable balance — one that allows him to continue singing without the exhausting travel demands that come with large tours.
Despite the changes ahead, Daniel’s love for music remains as strong as ever. Reflecting on his long career, he said:
“I am blessed. I love it. I love meeting people, and I love the opportunity to sing and be on stage. All in all, it was the perfect career for me.”
For fans, Daniel’s openness has brought reassurance. While he may be stepping back, he is far from stepping away. His upcoming break is not an ending, but a thoughtful pause — a chance to breathe, regroup, and decide how to continue doing what he loves most: bringing comfort, joy, and connection to audiences everywhere.
As he looks ahead, one thing is clear: Daniel O’Donnell will return — perhaps touring differently, perhaps performing less often — but with the same warmth, sincerity, and spirit that have defined his extraordinary life in music.