Rosie O'Donnell
ON THE RECORD · 10 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“This has been kind of a strange experience for me because all of a sudden I'm re-famous. I'm back in the spotlight, all thanks to President Oompa J. Loompa, who is watching us this evening from inside a catering cart,”
Rosie O'Donnell · said 2026-08-18 · reported 2026-08-19
O'Donnell joked about becoming re-famous thanks to President Trump during her second night guest-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live!
“the biggest lesbian extravaganza of all time.”
Rosie O'Donnell · said 2026-08-18 · reported 2026-08-19
O'Donnell expressed hope for the new Women's Pro Baseball League during her guest-hosting monologue.
“You know I couldn't have done it without you, sweetie. You brought me back, just like you did with fascism and the measles.”
Rosie O'Donnell · said 2026-08-18 · reported 2026-08-19
O'Donnell continued her comedic jab at Trump, thanking him sarcastically for her renewed fame.
“And she was so brave talking about mental health before people were really ready to hear about it, and very sad. My love to her family and friends, and she will be missed. Godspeed, Hayden.”
Rosie O'Donnell · said 2026-08-17 · reported 2026-08-18
O'Donnell continued her on-air tribute to Panettiere, praising her openness about mental health.
“I support [Kimmel] in what he’s doing with the First Amendment, and our ability as entertainers and citizens to speak out against our government that’s enshrined in the Founding Fathers’ writings about our government, so I think he’s fantastic,”
Rosie O'Donnell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-18
O'Donnell told Variety why she accepted Kimmel's guest-hosting offer, citing her support for him amid Trump's campaign to get his show canceled.
“If you thought the president hated ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ when it was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel? Buckle up, people! Buckle up.”
Rosie O'Donnell · said 2026-08-17 · reported 2026-08-18
O'Donnell's opening remarks after walking onstage in a bright pink suit to begin her guest-hosting run.
“I’ve been living in Ireland for the past two years because of ‘Mango Mussolini.’ I read that Project 2025 and said, ‘Gotta get myself out of here!’ and I decided to go to Ireland where people are driven to drink regardless of who’s running their country.”
Rosie O'Donnell · said 2026-08-17 · reported 2026-08-18
During her monologue, O'Donnell joked about moving to Ireland because of Trump, whom she called "Mango Mussolini."
“And I wish that Stephen Colbert had the same kind of support when it happened to him, because he shouldn’t be gone either.”
Rosie O'Donnell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-18
Speaking to Variety, O'Donnell said Stephen Colbert should have received similar support when his show ended.
“I’m just heartbroken over the passing of Hayden Panettiere last night. She was on my show many times as a little girl, and I got to know her as a grown woman,”
Rosie O'Donnell · said 2026-08-17 · reported 2026-08-18
O'Donnell choked up while paying tribute to Hayden Panettiere, who died at age 36.
“Hi! I know you’re watching!”
Rosie O'Donnell · said 2026-08-17 · reported 2026-08-18
O'Donnell turned to the camera during her monologue to address Donald Trump directly.