Reality TV
Rosie O’Donnell Says ‘The View’ Was Bad for Her Health
Rosie O'Donnell is getting candid about her abrupt exit from The View.
During Monday's new episode of the popular daytime talk show, Rosie, 52, stayed tight-lipped about her decision to leave the program after just one season — a move that frustrated fans who were waiting for an explanation from the star.
So, later that day, the mom-of-five — who is also dealing with a recent split from her wife, Michelle Rounds — posted a home video on her website to candidly discuss her departure.
Rosie (right) with Nicolle Wallace and Rosie Perez on 'The View' on Monday, Feb. 9.
"Ok, here it is in a nutshell — people are asking why didn't we talk about my leaving 'The View' on 'The View' today," she began. "I want to let you know that everybody wanted me to talk about it [but] I didn't want to talk about it."
"The truth is, I had a heart attack two years ago and stress is very bad for heart attack survivors. I'm minimizing my stress by leaving 'The View.' The stress that I'm having at home is not as easily [remedied]," Rosie continued.
On Friday, Feb. 6, the star's publicist confirmed she and Michelle, 43, separated in November 2014 after nearly three years of marriage. The couple announced they had adopted a daughter named Dakota in January 2013.
Rosie and Michelle in October 2014.
In 1995, Rosie adopted a son, Parker, before welcoming kids Chelsea, Christopher and Vivienne with her first wife, Kelli Carpenter, whom she divorced in 2007.
"It's hard, marriage is complicated and I've got five kids — four of them are teenagers — and there's a lot of stuff going on at home and there's lots of stuff going on at work and the only thing I can really control is the work, by leaving," she said. "I can turn that volume down all the way to zero and just focus on what I need to focus on, which is my health and my family."
"My last show is Thursday and then I'll be watching from home," she added.
Watch the video below.
