Daniel and Majella O’Donnell Celebrate Family’s Joy as Michael Marries Sarah in Tuscany
TUSCANY, ITALY — Irish country music legend Daniel O’Donnell has welcomed a new member into his family after Majella’s son, Michael, married his long-time partner, Sarah, in a romantic ceremony set against the stunning Tuscan countryside.
The wedding, held just outside Florence on Wednesday, was the culmination of a three-day celebration that brought together friends and relatives from across the globe. “We had a lovely day yesterday at Michael and Sarah’s wedding,” Daniel shared with fans. “We’re delighted to welcome Sarah to the family.”
Sarah, who is Australian-born with Greek heritage, met Michael in London more than a decade ago. Now living in Melbourne, the couple decided on a European destination wedding — and Tuscany’s timeless charm proved the perfect choice. “Sarah’s people are all of Greek extraction,” Daniel revealed. “Her grandparents on both sides were from Greece and moved to Australia. They have been together for 11 years, so they didn’t rush into it. Sarah is a lovely person and she’s beautiful.”
The event was a true gathering of loved ones. Majella’s daughter, Siobhán, attended with her husband Gavin and their three children — Olivia, Archie, and Luke. Family came from far and wide: Majella’s sister and husband traveled from New Zealand, her brother and his wife from England, and her sister Josephine with one of her daughters from Galway. Sarah’s parents, siblings, godparents, and friends flew in from Australia, while Michael’s closest friends made the trip from London.
“It’s such a beautiful setting and a beautiful place to have a wedding,” Daniel said, reflecting on the atmosphere. Adding a personal touch, he had the honor of performing the couple’s first dance song — Eric Clapton’s classic Wonderful Tonight.
The festivities also embraced Sarah’s Greek roots, including the traditional smashing of plates for good luck. Daniel fondly recounted how his young grandson Archie was puzzled — and slightly horrified — by the custom. “They broke the plate and Archie was horrified. ‘What are they doing, Gaga?’ he asked me. I told him that’s something they do. ‘That’s a waste of money, Gaga,’ he said. It was so funny.”
Daniel and Majella’s blended family story stretches back many years. When the couple first met, Majella’s children, Michael and Siobhán, were still young. Daniel has often spoken about the smooth transition into his role as stepfather. “I was never about to replace their dad or anything like that,” he explained. “We are very close and we’ve only ever had lovely times with them. I’ve never regretted not having children of my own and I’ve never felt deprived in any way. I’m very content and fulfilled in where I am and the bond I have with Majella’s children.”
That bond has only deepened with the arrival of grandchildren, who Daniel cherishes deeply. “Grandkids are just great. In fact, they are the best ever,” he said with a smile. “They don’t give a hoot who you are, who you know, or what you have. It’s just what you are to them that matters.”
For Daniel, the wedding in Tuscany was more than just a celebration of love between Michael and Sarah — it was a reminder of the strength of family ties, the joy of shared traditions, and the beauty of blending lives and cultures. Surrounded by music, laughter, and the golden Tuscan light, it was a chapter in the O’Donnell family story that will be remembered for years to come.