Daniel O’Donnell Embraces Grandfather Role as ‘Designated Babysitter’ While Weighing TV Return
Donegal, Ireland — Irish country music icon Daniel O’Donnell has revealed that his role as a grandfather has taken center stage in his life — proudly declaring himself the “designated babysitter” for his beloved grandchildren. Speaking ahead of his autumn tour, the singer shared candid reflections on family life, his enduring connection with fans, and the possibility of returning to television with wife Majella O’Donnell.
The 62-year-old entertainer, who has sold millions of records worldwide, is preparing for another busy season of performances after years of pandemic disruption. But before stepping back on stage, O’Donnell has carved out time for something closer to his heart — a family holiday in Tenerife.
“We’re going to Tenerife next week for two weeks. I’m brought to babysit,” he said with a laugh, speaking to the Irish Daily Mirror. For O’Donnell, the chance to spend uninterrupted time with his grandchildren has become one of the greatest joys of this stage of life.
While some grandparents may shy away from chasing toddlers or handling nappy duty, Daniel insists he is fully hands-on. “I love being around them. It’s a very different rhythm than touring, but it’s every bit as rewarding,” he added.
O’Donnell also reflected on the unusual dynamic of being a world-famous singer who still manages to slip under the radar when abroad. “It depends where you are,” he explained. “Day to day, people generally aren’t that interested. But when you go into the Irish bars, you are going to meet lots of people. And that’s my choice to do that.”
The Donegal-born star has long been cherished for his down-to-earth demeanor, often stopping to chat with fans or share a song, no matter the setting. “I’m not always dragged up, I might be running up [on stage],” he quipped, joking about how quickly he’ll volunteer to sing when given the chance.
Before jetting off for his sun-soaked family break, O’Donnell is finishing work on his TG4 country music series, Opry le Daniel, a program that has become a staple for Irish music lovers. But fans are now speculating whether he and Majella will revive their much-loved RTE Roadtrip shows, which saw the couple traveling across Ireland and abroad while sharing humor, warmth, and insight into their life together.
For now, Daniel remains undecided. “We’ve had no discussions with anyone yet. We are not saying we are going to do them or that we are not going to do them. If they happen, they happen,” he said.
His comments come after a lighthearted moment earlier this year when the singer left viewers in stitches during a live remote appearance on Ireland AM. As he attempted to set up his camera, Majella was briefly shown in bed in the background, a slip that quickly went viral for its sheer relatability. O’Donnell laughed it off in his signature humble style. “We are always doing the wrong thing. Sometimes you just can’t be but what you are.”
Now approaching four decades in the spotlight, O’Donnell remains one of Ireland’s most enduring performers, but it is clear that family is grounding him more than ever. Whether changing nappies, performing on international stages, or debating another television venture with Majella, Daniel O’Donnell continues to balance fame with a genuine commitment to his roots.
For fans, his latest reflections are a reminder that beneath the celebrity persona is a man whose priorities — family, music, and laughter — have never really changed. And for O’Donnell himself, the message is simple: while the stage may be calling once again, there is no role more important than that of grandfather.