Daniel O’Donnell Opens Up About Secret Vow Renewal, Family Joys, and an Italian Wedding to Remember
After 20 years of marriage, Irish country music legend Daniel O’Donnell surprised his wife Majella with a heartfelt vow renewal ceremony in the comfort of their Donegal home. Surrounded by their children and grandchildren, the occasion was intimate, emotional, and deeply personal — a quiet moment of love in the midst of a life lived in the spotlight.
In a recent interview, Daniel, who just turned 62, shared the details of the surprise ceremony and how he planned it all without Majella knowing until the very day.
“It was just us,” Daniel recalled fondly. “A lovely small gathering around the table for dinner. We had a ceremony with Fr Martin, a couple of friends, Siobhán and her husband Gavin, Michael and Sarah, and of course the grandchildren — Olivia, Archie, and Luca. We read out some nice pieces. It was simple, but very meaningful.”
The vow renewal mirrored a similar moment from their 10th wedding anniversary. But even two decades later, Daniel still finds joy in making Majella feel loved and celebrated — a testament to the enduring bond they’ve built.
Amid the joy, the family has also experienced recent sorrow. Majella’s mother sadly passed away at the age of 86 after living with dementia. Though her illness was not prolonged, Daniel acknowledged the lasting weight of grief.
“They’re trying to accept that their mother has died,” he shared. “It doesn’t matter how old someone is or how expected it might be — it doesn’t take away from the sense of loss.”
Still, the O’Donnells are embracing the future with hope and excitement — particularly as Majella’s son Michael prepares to tie the knot this July in Italy. The entire family is buzzing with anticipation, though Daniel remains uncertain about one thing: whether he’ll sing at the wedding reception.
“I don’t know yet,” he laughed. “But you never know what might happen. We’ll have to see. We’re not that advanced with the plans just yet.”
One thing Daniel is sure of, though, is the joy his three grandchildren bring into his life. Olivia, eight, Archie, nearly six, and two-year-old Luca are a source of constant happiness and energy.
“They’re great. We chat every day,” he said. “They’re always busy — full of their own business — and you have to dance to their tune.”
He described each of them with affectionate detail. “Olivia is fairly quiet and has just started playing the violin. I said, ‘You’re playing the fiddle now?’ and she said, ‘No Gaga, it’s a violin.’” He chuckled softly. “It’s lovely to see her getting into music. Siobhán and Gavin are so good with them.”
As for Archie and Luca, their personalities are blossoming. “Archie is a strong character, very spirited,” Daniel said proudly. “And Luca is just starting to talk. It’s the sweetest thing — he waves and says, ‘Hello Gaga’ when we’re on the phone. That means so much.”
Despite his international fame, Daniel O’Donnell remains grounded in what matters most: love, family, and connection. While he continues to enjoy moments on stage and in the public eye, it’s clear his heart beats loudest at home — in quiet dinners, grandchildren’s laughter, and surprise vow renewals that reaffirm the power of lasting love.