What To Know
- Rosie O’Donnell shared an emotional Instagram post describing her visit to daughter Chelsea in prison.
- She reflected on the challenges and unconditional love involved in supporting her daughter through difficult times.
- Chelsea, adopted by Rosie, was sentenced to prison after violating probation related to drug and child neglect charges.
In a lengthy social media caption written like a poem, Rosie O’Donnell described a recent visit with her daughter, Chelsea O’Donnell, during the latter’s prison sentence.
On Saturday, June 13, Rosie wrote on Instagram that she got to the prison early and was ordered to take a seat “in what looks like / a children’s nursery room” with “Disney murals on cement walls.”
A prison guard explained the rules for the four-hour visit. Rosie wrote: “A hug hello and goodbye only / No money exchanged / Hands above the table / No loud voices.”
Then Chelsea arrived. “My heart skips a beat / She looks good,” said Rosie. “Healthy calm / Rested blue eyes / Clear skin / In her green uniform / We embrace / She smells familiar / holds on tight / I stare into her eyes.”
At one point in the visit, Rosie went to splash cold water on her face and cried as she tried to “shake the sadness.”
The former View co-host wrote: “It’s hard enough for her / She turns 29 this summer / And all I see when I look at her / Is a blonde baby in diapers.”
Unfortunately, Rosie’s visit with Chelsea was cut short by the threat of a nearby tornado.
“It storms all the way to the hotel,” she recalled. “As I try to process / All that’s happened / It was a big day for both of us / I conk right out / I sleep for hours / Proud of us both / Unconditional love / Simply the only way / Thru motherhood / Love and forgiveness a must / Even when it seems impossible / Especially then / We live we learn we grow / Even at 64.”
Chelsea, one of Rosie’s adopted children, was sentenced to six years of probation in January 2025 following three arrests on drug and child neglect charges. That October, she was sentenced to prison after violating her probation terms, according to Us Weekly.
“I have compassion for those struggling with addiction,” Rosie told Us following the latter development. “Chelsea was born into addiction, and it has been a painful journey for her and her children. We continue to love and support her through these horrible times. Prayers welcomed.”