Daniel O’Donnell has confirmed he’s stepping back from music for the next two years, telling fans he’s taking a long-planned sabbatical following ongoing minor health issues.
The Donegal star, 63, revealed in a recent interview that after four decades on the road, he’s pressing pause on touring life.
‘After more than 40 years as a touring singer I’ve finally taken a sabbatical,’ he said, adding that aside from a local church performance before Christmas, ‘I’m now officially on a break for most of the next two years.’
O’Donnell said he plans to divide his time between family life in Donegal, his long-loved Tenerife base, and some extended travel.
‘For the most part my time will be my own and we’ll be spending it with the family at home and abroad as well as enjoying some travel for holidays,’ he explained to The Irish Independent.
He added that ‘Tenerife has been a home from home for many decades and we intend to spend time there as well as in Donegal.’
The singer also revealed plans for an extended trip to Australia in 2027, noting that despite the break, he has no intention of retiring.
News of the sabbatical comes after O’Donnell recently addressed intense online speculation about his health.
Appearing on The Six O’Clock Show, he reassured viewers that while he is stepping back from touring in 2026, the decision stems from recurring allergies and chest infections, issues that he said would barely register if he weren’t performing.
O’Donnell urged fans to be wary of false rumours and scam posts online, saying he has seen fake claims circulate about many public figures.
He will continue with his scheduled commitments until December 2025. His team reiterated that the time off is a temporary measure to allow him to fully recover after years of heavy touring, stressing once again that the singer is not retiring.
