Daniel O’Donnell to Take Extended Break from Touring to Focus on Health and Family
Irish country music legend Daniel O’Donnell has announced he will be stepping back from his entertainment career to prioritise his health and well-being. The 63-year-old singer, known for his tireless touring schedule and decades-long connection with fans, will fulfill his current commitments through December 2025 before taking an extended break.
In a statement released by his team, O’Donnell’s decision was described as carefully considered and based on recurring health challenges. “After much reflection, Daniel has decided to take an extended break from touring,” a spokesperson said. “This decision was not made lightly, but it is driven by the health challenges he has faced over the past few years, particularly with allergies and recurrent chest infections while touring extensively.”
Despite the pause in regular performances, O’Donnell has made it clear this is not a retirement, but rather a chance to rest and recover. “This pause is essential for him to recharge and recover,” the spokesperson added. “He emphasises that this is not a retirement but rather a temporary break.”
While his touring schedule will wind down after this year, fans can still look forward to seeing the singer on select occasions. Early next year, he will return to host his popular “Opry le Daniel” music series on TG4. In September 2026, he is also scheduled to appear on Gertrude Byrne’s Mediterranean Cruise, continuing a long-standing tradition of performing at sea for fans from around the world. These two events will be his only confirmed performances in 2026.
The Donegal native, whose career spans over four decades, has taken breaks before — often to focus on personal life and family. In 2014, he announced a temporary withdrawal from performing to spend more time with his wife Majella, who had recently undergone successful breast cancer treatment. In 1992, he also took time away due to physical and mental exhaustion, admitting the relentless schedule had taken a toll.
Today, O’Donnell and Majella are grandparents to four grandchildren — Jack, their newest, was born just last month in Australia. Jack joins Archie, Olivia, and Luke, children of Majella’s daughter Siobhan and her husband Gavin. The couple has been open about cherishing time with their growing family, and Daniel’s decision to slow down appears partly rooted in a desire to be more present for these important moments.
O’Donnell’s fans have expressed support for his choice, recognising the demands of a career that has seen him become one of Ireland’s most enduring and beloved entertainers. With a legacy that includes over 40 albums, countless sold-out tours, and a devoted international following, Daniel O’Donnell’s contribution to music remains undeniable — and his commitment to returning, once restored, offers hope for more to come.