Rosie O'Donnellrelationship with his daughter Chelsea O'Donnell it seems to be getting stronger.
“He's sober, and that's changed everything,” Rosie, 64, shared People in an interview published on Tuesday, July 21. “He ran away at the age of 17 to his biological mother and a drug-addicted community in Wisconsin.
In October 2025, Chelsea, 28, was there sentenced to prison after allegedly violating the terms of his six-year probation stemming from three consecutive drug-related arrests.
“I saw a child I used to know,” Rosie – who adopted Chelsea as a child with her ex-wife Kelly Carpenter — shared his recent visit. “He calls every day, and we talk.”
Earlier this month, the comedian shared more details about his prison visit. (Chelsea is currently under arrest Taycheedah Correctional Institutionmaximum security women's prison in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.)
“[The visit] it was the first conversation I had with him in 10 years that lasted more than 15 minutes,” said Rosie. Page Six earlier this month. “The first time I saw him was four hours in prison.”
He added, “I hope his future is brighter than the last ten years.”
Although Rosie and Chelsea's relationship has not always been strong as her daughter struggles with addiction, the former talk show host made it clear that she never gives up hope that things can get better.
“I feel for those who struggle with addiction,” Rosie previously said Us when he responded to his daughter's arrest. “Chelsea was born into addiction and it has been a painful journey for her and her children. We continue to love her and support her through these difficult times. Prayers are welcome.”
Rosie O'Donnell has not shied away from publicly discussing the challenges her daughter Chelsea O'Donnell has faced over the years. After Chelsea was arrested in November 2024 for the third time in as many months, Rosie took to Instagram to address her daughter's legal troubles. “So this is true – after being rescued by […]
In her latest interview, Rosie also shared an update on her son Clayton, who she had with her late ex-wife. Michelle Rounds in 2013. (Rounds died in September 2017 at the age of 46.)
After sharing Clay's autism diagnosis for the first time in September 2022, Rosie continues to marvel at her child's special gifts.
“Clay's vulnerability forced me to connect more and be closer and closer in a way that I wasn't with my other children,” he said. “Autism is incredibly inquisitive. Clay understands the greatest concepts for a 13-year-old.”
If you or someone you know has a substance abuse problem, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline Number at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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