Rosie and Chelsea Bell O'Donnell | Source: Getty Images
Rosie O’Donnell Remembers Daughter Chelsea Before Drug Addiction ‘Took Over Her Life’
The former talk show host took to social media to ask for prayers after her daughter — who was arrested three times in the span of three months — was sentenced to prison.
Advertisement
Rosie O'Donnell is taking a bittersweet walk down memory lane. The media personality took to Instagram on Wednesday, October 29, to remember her daughter, Chelsea Belle O'Donnell, before she was consumed by substance abuse.
"My child chelsea belle - before addiction took over her life," Rosie wrote alongside a photo of a younger Chelsea wearing a pink polo neck sweater. "I loved her then i love her now as she faces a scary future- prayers welcomed."
Chelsea was recently sentenced to prison for violating the terms of her probation for drug charges. Her mother's post sparked an outpouring of heartfelt messages from fans expressing their sympathies.
Rosie O'Donnell, Chelsea O'Donnell, and Billie Jean King attend the Women's Sports Foundation's 27th annual awards dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria on October 16, 2006. | Source: Getty Images
"Sending you all the ♥️& Strength," one person said. "I am so sorry, Rosie. Keeping you and your daughter in my prayers. It's so hard. I lost my brother to addiction. I hope she finds the support she needs," another wrote.
"I am sending love, prayers and understanding. ❤️🩹 We love our babies no matter what," a third declared. "🙏 she has an amazing support system, addiction is a scary road but she will get there im sure. ❤️," someone else added.
Rosie O'Donnell and Chelsea Belle O'Donnell pose at the 2nd Annual Fran Drescher Cancer Schmancer Sunset Cabaret Cruise on The SS Hornblower Infinity Crusie Ship on June 20, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Rosie adopted Chelsea with her former partner, Kelli Carpenter, as an infant in 1997. Last year, between September and November, the now-28-year-old was arrested on three separate occasions. On September 10, she was arrested on felony charges including child neglect and possession of methamphetamine.
Just over a month later, after posting bail and being released, she was arrested again on more felony counts, this time including bail jumping, resisting or obstructing an officer, and possession of methamphetamine.
Rosie O'Donnell and her daughter, Chelsea, enter a restaurant to celebrate O'Donnell's 40th birthday on March 22, 2002, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Then, in November, Chelsea faced similar charges, including possession of methamphetamine, bail jumping, and possession of narcotic drugs. Rosie spoke out in the wake of her daughter's third arrest on Instagram.
"So yes this is true," she wrote alongside a screenshot of an email from a Fox News journalist asking for her comment at the time. "After being bailed out by her birth mother - chelsea was arrested again - and is facing many charges related to her drug addiction [sic]."
"We all hope she is able to get the help she needs to turn her life around," she concluded. Chelsea pleaded guilty to three felony charges — resisting or obstructing an officer, felony bail jumping and possession of methamphetamine — in February 2025.
She was then sentenced to six years of probation in late March. The terms of her probation mandated that she maintain sobriety, prohibited any possession of alcohol or other controlled substances without a prescription, and barred any contact with drug users or sellers.
She was also prohibited from possession or ownership of any firearm. According to court documents obtained by People, Chelsea had her probation revoked and was sentenced to prison on Wednesday, October 22.
"I have compassion for those struggling with addiction,” Rosie said in a statement. “Chelsea was born into addiction and it has been a painful journey for her and her four young children. We continue to love and support her through these horrible times. Prayers welcomed."
