Majella O’Donnell Bravely Shaves Her Head on National Television to Raise Funds for Cancer
Irish audiences watched a moment of courage and vulnerability unfold on live television when Majella O’Donnell, wife of country music star Daniel O’Donnell, shaved her head on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show to raise awareness and funds for cancer support. The 53-year-old, who had recently revealed her breast cancer diagnosis, made the bold choice to take control of the hair loss that comes with chemotherapy—turning what could have been a private moment of loss into a public statement of strength.
Majella explained that her decision was about empowerment as much as it was about fundraising. “I was going to lose it anyway, and I could not bear the thought of it falling out,” she said. “That would make me feel sick and make me feel that I was ill. For me, I want to lose it on my terms and take control of when I lose it.” She added that her chemotherapy treatments were set to begin that Thursday, and she wanted to face the journey ahead with determination and dignity.
The moment she sat in the chair, with cameras rolling and the audience hushed, was already emotional. But when the last locks fell, the studio erupted into a standing ovation. Majella smiled, describing the feel of her newly bald head as “fab” before placing a chic blonde wig on her head.
The fundraiser, benefiting the Irish Cancer Society, was met with such overwhelming public generosity that it temporarily crashed the charity’s donation system. “We’ve had such a terrific volume of support from all over the country that it caused the server to crash,” a spokeswoman for the organization confirmed. “Our technical team are re-booting the system, but all texts are being processed.”
For Majella, the decision was not simply about her own journey, but about shining a light for others. “Having spoken to Daniel, we agreed that we would like to use this as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds,” she said. “Hair is every woman’s crowning glory, but mine will grow back in a few months’ time. I want others going through this to know they’re not alone.”
In a deeply personal admission, Majella shared that while she is a woman of faith, she has found it difficult to pray for her own recovery. “I can’t sit down and say ‘God help me,’ because I don’t feel that I need help,” she explained. “If it were a friend of mine, I’d be praying for them, but I can’t seem to do it for myself. I know so many people are praying for me, and that amount of power creates power. It makes it easier for me to go through this.”
Daniel O’Donnell, who married Majella in 2002 in a much-publicized ceremony in his native Kincasslagh, County Donegal, was unable to be present for the broadcast due to his touring commitments in the United States. Performing in Toledo, Ohio that evening, he nonetheless voiced his pride and support for his wife’s act of bravery.
John McCormack, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, praised her for her courage: “The Irish Cancer Society fully supports Majella, and I personally commend her for bringing light to such a painful time in her life. In doing this, Majella will help other people with breast cancer know they are not going through this alone.”
For viewers, the moment was more than a gesture—it was a testament to resilience, self-determination, and the power of turning personal hardship into hope for others. Majella O’Donnell’s act not only raised funds but also offered solidarity to countless people facing the same battle. And while the hair will grow back, the impact of her decision will remain.