Daniel O’Donnell has revealed he will be stepping away from his hectic entertainment schedule for a prolonged period, citing “health challenges” as the reason, reports RTE.
A representative for the 63-year-old singer from Co Donegal said in a statement: “After much reflection, Daniel has decided to take an extended break from touring. 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,” reports RTE.
According to the spokesperson, Mr O’Donnell will fulfill his tour obligations until December 2025, but he has come to recognise the need to prioritise his health and take a step back.
The spokesperson continued: “This pause is essential for him to recharge and recover. He emphasises that ‘this is not a retirement but rather a temporary break’,” reports RTE.
At the beginning of next year, the performer is expected to return to TG4 for his regular Opry le Daniel series.
He is also set to appear on Gertrude Byrne’s Mediterranean Cruise in September 2026, an event he has regularly been part of. These will be his only planned performances that year, reports RTE.
Daniel and his wife Majella are now grandparents to four children.
Their newest grandchild, Jack, was welcomed last month in Australia. Siobhan, Majella’s daughter, and her husband Gavin are also parents to Archie, Olivia, and Luke, reports RTE.
Over the years, the beloved singer has taken similar breaks to spend quality time with his loved ones.
Back in 2014, he shared that he would be stepping away from touring due to personal matters.
That decision followed Majella’s successful battle with breast cancer, reports RTE.
Two years earlier, in 2012, Daniel celebrated three decades in show business but later said he would reduce his touring to ease his schedule.
Even earlier, in 1992, he paused his career for several months after revealing that the pressures of constant touring had left him both physically and mentally drained, reports RTE.
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