Rosie O’Donnell on Weight Loss, Her Facelift, Family, and Her New One-Woman Show: ‘It’s Funny to Be Re-Famous at 64’ (Exclusive)

In a recent interview, Rosie O’Donnell opened up about a range of personal topics, including her significant weight loss, a recent facelift, and the challenges of raising her five children. The former talk show host, who is currently preparing for her one-woman show “Common Knowledge,” reflected on the impact her late mother had on her life and the lessons she has carried with her.

O’Donnell’s mother, Roseann, passed away at the young age of 39 due to breast cancer, shortly after a poignant moment shared between them involving a dictionary. “I was learning how to look up words, and she asked me to look up ‘beautiful,’” O’Donnell recalled. Reflecting on this memory, she explained how it became a defining moment in her life. “She taught me to endure, to make people laugh, and to lead with love,” she said.

It was only after moving to Ireland in January 2025 that O’Donnell began to write about her experiences as a mother who grew up without her own mother. This personal journey has culminated in her new production, which opens at New York City’s Daryl Roth Theatre on July 22.

Currently residing in New York for the summer, O’Donnell expressed her joy at being close to her youngest grandchild, four-month-old Anthony, the son of her daughter Blake. Her relationship with her daughter Chelsea, who is serving time for drug possession, has also improved since Chelsea became sober. O’Donnell noted that “there’s finally hope on the horizon,” emphasising the transformative power of recovery.

Another significant change in O’Donnell’s life has been her weight loss of nearly 60 pounds, achieved through the use of the medication Mounjaro after her diagnosis with type 2 diabetes. “It quieted the food noise,” she admitted, reflecting on her lifelong struggles with weight. She described how her newfound health has changed her outlook, stating, “It’s very strange to just buy a pair of jeans that fit.”

The comedian also spoke candidly about her decision to undergo a facelift. The loss of weight led to excess skin around her face, which left her feeling self-conscious. “I didn’t want my face to be frozen,” she explained, highlighting the internal conflict she faced as a feminist contemplating cosmetic surgery. Ultimately, she decided that taking care of her appearance was a personal choice that should not be dictated by external opinions.

O’Donnell’s connection with her children is profound, particularly with her son Clay, who identifies as autistic and non-binary. She described how Clay’s unique perspective and vulnerability fostered a deep bond between them, one that has made her more connected and attentive. Clay’s curiosity has also led to enlightening conversations, such as a discussion about Cleopatra that inspired the title of O’Donnell’s show.

While O’Donnell relishes being a mother, she also acknowledges the profound effect her children have had on her life. “Those kids saved me,” she said, conveying the love and dedication she feels towards them. The joy of being a mother is particularly poignant for O’Donnell as she witnesses her adult children navigating their own journeys, particularly through the lens of her relationship with her own deceased mother.

In her candid style, O’Donnell has also discussed her aspirations for love once again, now that her youngest child has reached adolescence. She expressed a desire to find romance but admitted to feeling uncertain about how to initiate such connections.

The interview paints a picture of a woman who is not only navigating her complex history and family life but also embracing new beginnings. With her one-woman show serving as a platform to explore her “life without a mother,” O’Donnell continues to reflect on her past while looking forward to the future with hope and enthusiasm. Her story is one of resilience, love, and the search for personal fulfillment amidst the trials of life.

For a deeper insight into Rosie O’Donnell’s journey and forthcoming performance, her fans can find more in the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine, where her story is featured prominently.