Rosie O'Donnell urges privacy for daughter as she completes probation in Wisconsin

(WLUK) -- Comedian Rosie O'Donnell penned a heartfelt message regarding her adopted daughter's drug conviction cases in Northeast Wisconsin.

Chelsea O'Donnell, 27, was sentenced to two years probation in Oconto County and three years probation in Marinette County for various drug and obstruction charges.

In addition, Chelsea filed a petition in Marinette County to change her last name to “Nevens.” The reason cited is “adoption/family name.” A May 8 hearing is scheduled in that case.

Chelsea O'Donnell appears virtually in Marinette County court, Nov. 26, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Marinette County courts/Zoom)

Earlier this week, the former talk-show host shared a heartfelt note on Substack about where things stand between her and Chelsea. She adds the note was posted with Chelsea's approval.

She says it doesn't make sense to her why Chelsea wants to change her last name to her birth mother's maiden name but says, "I am not her, its not about me, i am here for her - she's not here for me, a wise woman once said."

Since her charges, Rosie says Chelsea is doing much better. She says she completed treatment and earned her high school diploma.

"Before she went back to her birth family, to a state i had never been in, with people i had never met,it was the worst time," Rosie wrote. "She is doing so well now, in spite of the tabloid fodder, she's working on herself, aren't we all."

Rosie asks the public to respect her daughter's privacy while she continues to turn her life around.