Rosie O’Donnell Asks for Prayers After Daughter Chelsea, 28, Is Sentenced to Prison

Rosie O’Donnell is leaning on faith, family, and her fans for support during one of the hardest moments of her life. The comedian and actress, 63, revealed that her oldest daughter, Chelsea O’Donnell, has been sentenced to prison after violating the terms of her probation for previous drug-related charges.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Rosie posted a photo of Chelsea as a child alongside an emotional caption:

“My child, Chelsea Belle — before addiction took over her life — I loved her then, I love her now, as she faces a scary future.”

Rosie adopted Chelsea with her then-partner, Kelli Carpenter, shortly after Chelsea’s birth in 1997.

O’Donnell took to Instagram to ask for prayers after Chelsea was sentenced to prison last week for violating the terms of her probation for drug charges.

A Troubling Pattern of Arrests

Chelsea’s legal troubles began in 2023, when she was arrested three times in Wisconsin between September and December.

• On September 10, she faced felony charges including child neglect and possession of methamphetamine.

• One month later, after being released on bail, she was arrested again for bail jumping, resisting or obstructing an officer, and possession of methamphetamine.

• In November, she was arrested a third time on similar charges, including narcotic possession and bail violations.

At the time, O’Donnell confirmed the news on social media, saying:

“So yes, this is true. After being bailed out by her birth mother, Chelsea was arrested again. We all hope she is able to get the help she needs to turn her life around.”

Probation Revoked and Prison Sentence

O’Donnell’s oldest daughter’s mugshot following her first arrest in September 2024.

Following her arrests, Chelsea pleaded guilty in February 2024 to multiple felony counts, including resisting an officer, felony bail jumping, and drug possession. She was sentenced to six years of probation on March 31.

Her probation terms required her to stay sober, avoid drug users or sellers, and abstain from alcohol or any non-prescribed controlled substances. However, after violating those conditions, her probation was revoked, and she was sentenced to prison on October 22, according to People.

Chelsea O’Donnell’s mugshot shortly after her third arrest in Wisconsin in November 2024.

Rosie O’Donnell Speaks on Her Daughter’s Struggles

In a statement to People, Rosie shared her heartbreak and unwavering love for her daughter.

“I have compassion for those struggling with addiction. 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.”

O’Donnell’s words reflect not only the pain of a mother watching her child suffer but also her deep empathy for families affected by addiction.

Chelsea’s Family and Personal Life

Chelsea, now 28, is the mother of four children. She shares daughters Skylar, Riley, and Avery Lynn with ex-boyfriend Jacob Bourassa, and she welcomed her youngest child, a son named Atlas, with her current partner Jacob Nelund in October 2023.

As for Rosie, she has five children in total — Parker (30), Blake (25), Vivienne (22), Clay (12), and Chelsea.

Finding Strength and Faith

In recent months, Rosie O’Donnell has spoken about finding solace in her faith and Irish roots. Now living part-time in Ireland, she revealed that she’s applying for Irish

citizenship, saying:O’Donnell during an episode of the “No Filter with Kate Langbroek” podcast released Sept. 9, 2025.

“I am applying and about to be approved for my Irish citizenship, as my grandparents were from there — and that’s all you need.”

While Rosie continues to navigate this painful chapter, her message remains one of love, forgiveness, and hope — a reminder that addiction affects families from all walks of life, and that compassion can be a powerful path toward healing.

Rosie O’Donnell’s request for prayers is not just a mother’s plea — it’s a call for empathy for every family fighting the battle of addiction. 💔