DANIEL O’DONNELL ON SURPRISING MAJELLA WITH A VOW RENEWAL AFTER 20 YEARS — AND CELEBRATING HER SON’S UPCOMING WEDDING IN ITALY
After more than two decades of marriage, Daniel O’Donnell still knows how to surprise his wife Majella in the most heartfelt way. The Irish country legend has revealed how he secretly organized a marriage vow renewal ceremony to mark their 20th wedding anniversary, a celebration filled with family, love, and the warmth of home.
The intimate ceremony took place at the couple’s house in Kincasslagh, Donegal, surrounded by their closest family members — including Majella’s son Michael, his fiancée Sarah, daughter Siobhán, her husband Gavin, and their three grandchildren, Olivia, Archie, and Luca.
“It was a lovely time,” Daniel told RSVP Country. “It was quite a ceremony with Fr. Martin, a couple of friends, Siobhán and her husband Gavin, Michael and Sarah, and the grandchildren. It was just us — a small gathering around the table for dinner.”
The surprise element made the day even more special. “Majella didn’t know about it until the day,” Daniel shared, smiling. “We read out some nice pieces and renewed our vows quietly. We did it on our 10th anniversary as well — but this one felt very meaningful.”
For Daniel and Majella, who first exchanged vows on November 4, 2002, the past two decades have been filled with laughter, resilience, and deep affection. Through television projects, tours, and personal challenges, they’ve remained one of Ireland’s most loved and admired couples.
The vow renewal came at a poignant time for Majella, who recently lost her mother. Daniel spoke tenderly about the family’s grief. “They’re trying to accept that their mother has died,” he said softly. “She was 86 and had dementia. It wasn’t a long illness, but that doesn’t take away from their sense of loss.”
Despite the sadness, the family has plenty to look forward to — most notably, Majella’s son Michael’s wedding this coming July in Italy. The excitement in Daniel’s voice was clear as he shared their plans. “He’s getting married in Italy this summer,” he said. “We’re really looking forward to it. It’ll be a lovely family occasion.”
When asked if he might sing at the wedding, Daniel laughed. “I don’t know yet — but you never know what might happen! We’re not that advanced with the plans just yet.”
Between family milestones and new memories, Daniel’s joy is clearly rooted in his role as a grandfather. Speaking proudly about Olivia, Archie, and little Luca, he said, “They’re great — full of their own business and keeping us on our toes. Olivia is eight, Archie is nearly six, and Luca is only two. We chat every day. They bring so much joy to our lives.”
He shared a sweet anecdote about his granddaughter’s budding musical talent. “Olivia has started to play the violin,” he said with a chuckle. “I said to her, ‘You’re playing the fiddle now?’ and she said, ‘No, Gaga, it’s a violin!’ It’s lovely to see her getting into music.”
Daniel often refers to Majella’s children and grandchildren as his own, cherishing the family bonds that have grown over the years. “Siobhán and Gavin are so good with them,” he said fondly. “It’s lovely to see how close everyone is — that’s what life is about.”
Even as his career continues to thrive, Daniel remains grounded in family and faith — two constants that have shaped his life since his early days in Donegal. He says that surprising Majella with their vow renewal was his way of expressing gratitude for the life they’ve built together. “It wasn’t about grand gestures,” he reflected. “It was just a quiet way of saying — I’d marry you all over again.”
As they look ahead to their 23rd anniversary this November, the O’Donnells’ enduring love story continues to inspire fans around the world — proof that, even after decades together, love can still surprise you.