The O'Donnell family is once again making headlines in a year marked by extraordinary personal milestones and significant challenges. As of December 14, 2025, comedian and actress Rosie O'Donnell is preparing for a new role as a grandmother, while simultaneously navigating the difficult reality of her eldest daughter's legal troubles and supporting her youngest child's move to a new country and their non-binary identity. The lives of Rosie's five children—Parker, Chelsea, Blake, Vivienne, and Clay—are a public testament to the complexities of modern family dynamics, adoption, and the enduring bond of a high-profile, blended household.
The latest updates paint a vivid picture of a family experiencing the full spectrum of life: from a joyous New Jersey wedding and the anticipation of a new baby to the heartbreaking struggles with addiction and the courage to embrace change. This deep dive explores the current lives of each of Rosie O'Donnell's children, detailing their recent news, their unique paths, and the strong topical entities that define their collective story.
The Complete O'Donnell Family Tree: Biography & Profiles
Rosie O'Donnell is a mother of five children, four of whom were adopted with her first wife, Kelli Carpenter, and one adopted with her late second wife, Michelle Rounds. Their dynamic family structure has made them champions for same-sex adoption rights and a frequent subject of public interest. Here is a full profile of the O'Donnell children:
- Parker Jaren O'Donnell: The eldest, Parker was adopted by Rosie in 1995. He celebrated his 30th birthday in June 2025, a significant milestone for the first child who made Rosie a mother. Parker has largely maintained a private life away from the spotlight.
- Chelsea Belle O'Donnell: Born in 1997 and adopted as an infant. Chelsea's life has been highly public due to a complicated, often strained relationship with her mother and well-documented struggles with mental health and addiction. She is currently 28 years old.
- Blake Christopher O'Donnell: Born December 5, 1999, and adopted by Rosie and Kelli Carpenter. Blake is approximately 25 years old and has recently brought the most joyful news to the family, getting married and announcing a pregnancy.
- Vivienne Rose O'Donnell: Born November 29, 2002, Vivienne is the only child conceived via artificial insemination, though she was raised by Rosie and Kelli Carpenter. She is around 22 years old and has recently completed her college education.
- Clay O'Donnell (Formerly Dakota): Adopted in January 2013 with Michelle Rounds. Clay is approximately 12 years old and is the youngest of the five. Recent news confirms their non-binary identity and a major life change involving a move abroad.
From Grandparent-to-Be to College Graduate: The Latest Milestones
The past year has been filled with major, life-affirming events for the middle O'Donnell children, bringing moments of profound joy to the family's often tumultuous narrative.
Blake O'Donnell Is Making Rosie a Grandmother
One of the most exciting and current pieces of family news is the announcement that Blake Christopher O'Donnell and his wife, Teresa Garofalow Westervelt, are expecting their first child. This news, shared in a joint social media post with Rosie and her ex-wife Kelli Carpenter, confirms that Rosie O'Donnell will soon become a grandmother for the first time. Blake and Teresa's glamorous New Jersey wedding was a highlight for the family, and the impending arrival of a baby has brought an undeniable wave of excitement.
Vivienne's College Graduation and 'Not Normal' Childhood
In May 2025, Vivienne Rose O'Donnell celebrated her college graduation, a proud moment for the entire family. Vivienne has been open about her upbringing, once stating publicly that her childhood was "not normal," a comment Rosie addressed with her characteristic blend of humor and honesty. Her successful completion of her degree from the University of Delaware marks a positive transition into adulthood, a testament to her independence.
Parker's 30th Birthday
The eldest O'Donnell child, Parker Jaren, celebrated his 30th birthday in June 2025. Rosie shared a rare photo of her son on social media to mark the occasion. As the first child Rosie adopted, Parker holds a unique place in the family's history, representing the start of her journey into motherhood and her advocacy for adoption.
Navigating the Complexities: Chelsea’s Struggles and Clay’s New Life in Dublin
The O'Donnell family's story is also defined by its public struggles, particularly with Chelsea’s addiction and the unique path of the youngest child, Clay.
Chelsea O'Donnell's Legal Troubles and Addiction Battle
In the most challenging recent development, Rosie O'Donnell's daughter, Chelsea Belle O'Donnell, was sentenced to prison after a judge revoked her probation on drug-related charges. At 28 years old, Chelsea’s ongoing battle with addiction has been a source of public and private pain for the comedian. Rosie has openly asked for "prayers" for her daughter, sharing an emotional statement that Chelsea was "born into addiction," highlighting the generational nature of her struggles. The difficult, estranged relationship between mother and daughter has been a recurring theme, with Rosie acknowledging the complexity of their dynamic.
The Move to Dublin and Clay's Non-Binary Identity
Rosie O'Donnell made the significant and "hard decision" to relocate from the United States to Dublin, Ireland, with her youngest child, Clay. Clay, who is 12 years old, recently came out to Rosie as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. Rosie has been candid about her own struggles in adjusting to the correct pronouns, demonstrating the honesty and learning curve that many parents face in supporting their LGBTQ+ children. The move to Ireland was partly motivated by Rosie’s desire for a change of pace and a less politically charged environment, offering a fresh start for her and Clay.
A Legacy of Love and Adoption: Rosie’s Parenting Philosophy
Rosie O'Donnell’s family life is intrinsically linked to her public advocacy, particularly concerning adoption and LGBTQ+ rights. Her journey as a mother of five adopted children has been a powerful platform for social change.
Rosie adopted Parker as a single mother in 1995, a pioneering act at the time. Her subsequent marriage to Kelli Carpenter saw the adoption of Chelsea, Blake, and Vivienne. This family structure became a national symbol in the fight for adoption rights for same-sex couples.
Rosie’s second marriage to Michelle Rounds led to the adoption of Clay (then Dakota) in 2013. Following their divorce and Michelle Rounds's tragic death by suicide in 2017, Rosie became the sole guardian, continuing to navigate the challenges of single parenthood and the emotional complexities of her blended family.
Through all the public scrutiny, from the struggles of Chelsea to the joy of Blake's impending fatherhood, Rosie has consistently expressed immense love for her children, stating that adoption has "made my life worth everything." The O'Donnell family, with its mix of triumphs and tribulations, continues to serve as a high-profile example of the diverse and evolving face of the American family.
The current chapter, featuring a grandchild, a prison sentence, and a new life in Dublin, underscores the idea that a celebrity family’s life, much like any other, is a continuous, complicated journey of love, growth, and resilience, played out on a very public stage.
Detail Author:
- Name : Prof. Ozella Gutmann
- Username : kkutch
- Email : stamm.bill@hotmail.com
- Birthdate : 2006-12-09
- Address : 877 McLaughlin Road Nitzscheland, VT 47363
- Phone : +1 (602) 553-5391
- Company : Connelly-Sanford
- Job : Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Bio : Repudiandae distinctio veritatis velit qui repellendus omnis. Ad illo consectetur est autem distinctio quae enim odio. Libero illum molestiae voluptatem.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/rafael_xx
- username : rafael_xx
- bio : Nobis qui accusamus harum beatae id.
- followers : 1836
- following : 2981
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/rafael3739
- username : rafael3739
- bio : Facere necessitatibus recusandae ipsum. Ullam animi totam eaque voluptatum. Odit porro ipsam animi et ut nemo quod. Unde doloribus et consequuntur id et.
- followers : 3444
- following : 2550