DIVA’s Dating Digest takes a look at one of our most beloved comedians and actors
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY SHOWTIME NETWORKS INC
From The L Word: Generation Q to the OG 1992 A League Of Their Own, Rosie O’Donnell has always been a lesbian icon. The comedian, actor, producer, and presenter has been gracing our screens since her breakout role in Star Search.
Outside of her personality on screen, Rosie has been a firm advocate for LGBTQIA rights throughout her career, and even created an LGBTQIA holiday company (more on that in a minute) back in the early noughties.
The Emmy-award winning actress has been very vocal about her love life throughout her career – especially in her comedy – but who has Rosie O’Donnell dated? On this week’s DIVA’s Dating Digest we dig in.
Kelli Carpenter
Rosie O’Donnell’s first wife was TV executive Kelli Carpenter and the pair adopted three children during their time together, and had one child through IVF. Rosie and Kelli had to wait until 2004 to get married when same-sex unions were legalised in San Francisco. In an interview with ABC News at the time, Rosie called their choice to get married in San Francisco a “political statement”.
The pair even started a cruise business for queer families called R Family Vacations to help other LGBTQIA families enjoy holidays with their children. The pair split in 2007 but continue to co-parent and support their family.
Michelle Rounds
After meeting in Starbucks and bonding over Michelle’s dog, Rosie and Michelle began dating in 2011. By December, the pair announced their engagement and they got married in 2012. As a couple they adopted their daughter Dakota. However, the pair filed for divorce in 2015.
Tragically, Michelle took her own life in 2017 after a long mental health struggle throughout her life. Rosie told USA Today: “I am saddened to hear about this terrible tragedy. “Mental illness is a very serious issue affecting many families. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michelle’s family, her wife Krista, and their child.”
Elizabeth Rooney
While the pair initially kept their relationship very lowkey, Rosie announced her engagement to the Massachusetts police officer Elizabeth Rooney in 2018, one year after they started dating. The pair had a 23 year age gap. One year after their engagement was announced, the couple eventually split with no bad blood shed.
Aimee Hauer
Rosie’s most recent boo was TikToker Aimee Hauer. The pair started dating in 2022, making it Insta-official during Pride Month. During an interview on on Howard Stern’s SiriusXM show Rosie told listeners how they met. “I sent her a DM,” she said. “I thought maybe we would just be friends. I said, ‘You’re very beautiful. I love your look,’ and, like, 10 days later she wrote me back with a little video.”
However, by October 2022 the pair had split up.
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