Early Life and Education of Rosie O'Donnell: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 18, 2026

An overview of the childhood and early education of Rosie O'Donnell, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Rosie O'Donnell is an American comedian, actress, and talk show host. She gained prominence through Star Search in 1984, leading to various television and film roles. O'Donnell hosted the successful daytime talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, from 1996 to 2002, earning the moniker "Queen of Nice" and recognition for her philanthropy. The show garnered multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1933: Birth of Edward Joseph O'Donnell

In 1933, Edward Joseph O'Donnell, Rosie O'Donnell's father, was born.

1934: Birth of Roseann Teresa Murtha

In 1934, Roseann Teresa Murtha, Rosie O'Donnell's mother, was born.

March 21, 1962: Roseann O'Donnell's Birth

On March 21, 1962, Roseann O'Donnell was born. She would later become a talk show host, comedian, and actress.

March 17, 1973: Death of Rosie's Mother

On March 17, 1973, four days before Rosie O'Donnell's eleventh birthday, her mother, Roseann, died from breast cancer.

1980: High School Graduation

In 1980, Rosie O'Donnell graduated from Commack High School and later briefly attended Dickinson College.

1995: Adoption of Parker Jaren O'Donnell

In 1995, Rosie O'Donnell adopted her first child, Parker Jaren O'Donnell, as an infant.

1996: Purchase of "Pretty Penny" in Nyack, New York

In 1996, Rosie O'Donnell purchased "Pretty Penny", a Victorian river home in Nyack, New York, previously occupied by Helen Hayes.

1997: Adoption of Chelsea

In 1997, Rosie O'Donnell adopted a baby girl named Chelsea.

1997: Blind Date with Kelli Carpenter

In 1997, Rosie O'Donnell went on a blind date with Kelli Carpenter, a Nickelodeon marketing executive.

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1999: Adoption of Blake

In 1999, Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter adopted a boy, Blake, at birth.

May 2000: Bodyguard Applies for Firearm Permit

In May 2000, Rosie O'Donnell's bodyguard applied for a concealed firearm permit due to threats, highlighting the need for protection for her and her family.

September 2000: Launch of Rosie's McCall's magazine

In September 2000, Rosie O'Donnell partnered with the publishers of McCall's to revamp the magazine as Rosie's McCall's (or Rosie). In the September 2000 issue, she shared that she had struggled with depression her entire life and decided to start medications.

2000: Took in Foster Child Mia

In 2000, Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter took in a foster child named Mia, who was born in 1997, and announced intentions to adopt her.

2000: Sale of "Pretty Penny"

In 2000, Rosie O'Donnell sold "Pretty Penny", her Victorian river home in Nyack, New York, to businessman Edward M. Kopko.

2000: Staphylococcal Infection

In the summer of 2000, Rosie O'Donnell suffered a staphylococcal infection after she accidentally cut a finger, which incapacitated her for weeks and nearly led to her hand being amputated.

September 11, 2001: Response to September 11 Attacks

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Rosie O'Donnell encouraged support for New York City's performing arts and pledged $1 million for rescue efforts.

2001: Mia Removed From Home

In 2001, the State of Florida removed Mia from Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter's home, and O'Donnell has since worked extensively to bring an end to the Florida law prohibiting same-sex family adoption.

2002: Birth of Vivienne

In 2002, Kelli Carpenter gave birth to their fourth child, Vivienne, through artificial insemination.

2002: O'Donnell Comes Out as Lesbian

In 2002, Rosie O'Donnell came out as a lesbian and was named The Advocate's Person of the Year.

February 24, 2003: Comments on Catholic Church Abuse Scandal

On February 24, 2003, Rosie O'Donnell commented on Phil Donahue's talk show on the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church.

February 26, 2004: Marriage to Kelli Carpenter

On February 26, 2004, Rosie O'Donnell married Kelli Carpenter in San Francisco, two weeks after Mayor Gavin Newsom authorized the granting of marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The event was seen as a show of defiance against then-President George W. Bush over his support for the Federal Marriage Amendment.

August 2004: Marriage Voided

In August 2004, Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter's marriage was among thousands voided by the California Supreme Court.

2005: Ratings Comparison for The View

The viewership of "The View" was up 15% versus the same time in 2005.

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November 2006: Comments on Kelly Ripa's Complaints

In November 2006, Rosie O'Donnell commented on Kelly Ripa's complaints about Clay Aiken on Live with Regis and Kelly, sparking controversy.

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2007: Kelli Carpenter Moves Out

In 2007, Kelli Carpenter moved out of Rosie O'Donnell's home.

2008: Temporary Abstinence from Alcohol

In 2008, Rosie O'Donnell said she was not an alcoholic and had temporarily given up alcohol to lose weight.

November 2009: Disclosure of Separation

In November 2009, Rosie O'Donnell disclosed that Kelli Carpenter had moved out of their home in 2007.

December 5, 2011: Engagement to Michelle Rounds

On December 5, 2011, Rosie O'Donnell announced to her studio audience during a break in the taping of The Rosie Show that she and Michelle Rounds were engaged.

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2011: Parker attends Valley Forge Military Academy

In 2011, Parker successfully lobbied his mother to send him to Valley Forge Military Academy.

June 9, 2012: Marriage to Michelle Rounds

On June 9, 2012, Rosie O'Donnell and Michelle Rounds married in a private ceremony in New York.

August 2012: Heart Attack

In mid-August 2012, Rosie O'Donnell suffered a heart attack. An artery was 99 percent blocked and a stent was inserted. She adopted a whole foods, plant-based diet to reverse her heart disease.

January 9, 2013: Adoption of Dakota

On January 9, 2013, Rosie O'Donnell and Michelle Rounds announced they had adopted a baby girl named Dakota.

February 2015: Filing for Divorce

In February 2015, Rosie O'Donnell filed for divorce from Michelle Rounds after two years of marriage.

August 2015: Daughter Chelsea Reported Missing

In August 2015, Rosie O'Donnell tweeted that her 17-year-old daughter, Chelsea, had gone missing from their home in Nyack.

2016: Resumption of Drinking

Following President Trump's first election victory in 2016, Rosie O'Donnell started drinking again due to depression.

September 15, 2017: Death of Michelle Rounds

On September 15, 2017, Michelle Rounds, Rosie O'Donnell's ex-wife, died by suicide.

2019: End of Survivor Reunion Shows

In 2019, the Survivor series did away with reunion shows after Survivor: Island of the Idols.

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2024: Chelsea's Arrests

In 2024, Rosie O'Donnell's daughter Chelsea was arrested several times on charges involving drugs, child neglect, domestic abuse, and bail jumping.

March 2025: Moving to Ireland

In March 2025, shortly after Trump was inaugurated for a second term, Rosie O'Donnell revealed in a TikTok video that she had moved to Ireland with her child, Clay, that January.