HEARTWARMING NEWS: Daniel O’Donnell Opens Up About Renewing His Vows with Majella After 20 Years — and the Family’s Excitement Over an Italian Wedding
Donegal, Ireland — Beloved country music star Daniel O’Donnell has shared new details about one of the most touching moments in his personal life — a surprise vow renewal ceremony with his wife Majella to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. The Donegal singer, who turned 62 this week, revealed that Majella had no idea what he had planned until the very day of the celebration.
Speaking to RSVP Country, Daniel recalled the special day with fondness and quiet pride. “We had a lovely time,” he said. “It was quite a ceremony with Fr. Martin, a couple of friends, Siobhán and her husband Gavin, Michael and Sarah, and the grandchildren. It was just us — a lovely small gathering around the table for dinner. We read out some nice pieces. Majella didn’t know about it until the day. We did it on our 10th anniversary as well.”
The intimate renewal took place at their home in Donegal, surrounded by close family and their three adored grandchildren — Olivia, Archie, and Luca. Photos from the day, shared privately among family, captured the warmth and simplicity that have always defined the couple’s relationship. For Daniel and Majella, it was a moment not of spectacle but of gratitude — a quiet reaffirmation of love, faith, and partnership built over two decades.
The O’Donnells’ story has long been one of resilience and devotion. Over the years, Daniel has stood by Majella through both joy and hardship — from her brave, public battle with cancer to their shared family milestones. The vow renewal, he explained, was a way to celebrate not only their marriage but the life they’ve built together.
But life in the O’Donnell family isn’t just about looking back — there’s plenty to look forward to as well. Daniel also revealed that Majella’s son Michael is preparing to tie the knot this summer in Italy, a destination wedding that has the whole family buzzing with excitement. “He’s getting married in Italy in July,” Daniel said. “We’re really looking forward to that.”
Asked if he might sing at the wedding, the entertainer smiled modestly: “I don’t know yet, but you never know what might happen. We’ll have to see — we’re not that advanced with the plans just yet.” Fans can easily imagine that, should the moment arise, a spontaneous serenade from Daniel would make the day even more unforgettable.
Still, the past year has not been without heartache. Majella recently lost her mother, a loss that Daniel says has deeply affected the family. “They’re trying to accept that their mother has died,” he said gently. “She was 86, she had dementia and she didn’t have a long illness, but that doesn’t take away from their sense of loss.”
Despite grief, the couple continues to find comfort in the closeness of family — especially their grandchildren, who Daniel says bring endless happiness into their lives. “They’re great,” he said with a smile. “We chat every day and they’re always very busy with everything they do. They bring a lot of joy to us. Olivia is eight, Archie is nearly six, and Luca is only two. They’re full of their own business — you just have to dance to their tune.”
While Daniel and Majella have spent years in the public eye, they remain grounded in their roots — still calling Donegal home and cherishing the quiet moments between tours and TV appearances. When asked if he’d follow in Majella’s footsteps by appearing on RTÉ’s Keys To My Life, Daniel laughed and said, “I haven’t travelled like Majella has, and I haven’t lived in many places. I was in Donegal, then Dublin, and then Donegal again. I never emigrated and I don’t have a load of places to visit.”
For fans, Daniel O’Donnell’s words are a reminder of what has made him beloved for so long — his humility, warmth, and the way he finds beauty in the simple things. From surprise vow renewals to new beginnings in Italy, his life today reflects what he’s always sung about: love, family, and the blessings of home.