Daniel O’Donnell has revealed his plans to wind down his huge workload as he celebrates his 60th birthday.
The country crooner will reach his milestone birthday on December 12th.
But after a busy career spanning over 40 years touring the world with his music, he said he has no big party plans to mark the big day.
“We’re not having any big celebrations,” he said.
“I’m not a great person for looking back. I’m happy where I am at and just enjoy what I’m doing.”
As he approached the occasion, he said he has no plans to hang up his mic for good anytime soon.
But the Donegal singing icon admitted he does plan to pare back his work commitments to enjoy his family life.
“I’m not going to kill myself working forever," he said.
"I’m not saying I'm going to retire but I won’t tour extensively as I used to.
“I’m now beyond that stage in my life and career where you’re trying to prove myself.”
Reflecting on his early days, which consisted of gigs every night before he reached burnout, he went on: “I learned that you have to take time away from work, which I do now.
“When I finish in America I’ll do very little apart from the Late Late Show on December 10 and then I’m off until I do Gertrude Byrne cruise concerts in February and won’t do very much until August, so I have long periods of downtime,” he told RTE Guide.
Daniel’s birthday celebrations will include a special appearance on the Late Late Show and a TV documentary with the working title, Daniel at 60.
He also has his recent album of the same name, but admits the popularity of his new single, a cover of Jimmy Buffett’s Down at the Lah De Dah, is the best birthday present of all.
The song, and the video that accompanied it almost broke the internet after featuring a video of the country singer dancing in a Hawaiian hula skirt.
“I suppose I enjoy a but of fun,” he said.
He added: “It’s brilliant to be approaching my 60th and have a song that people are humming along to.
“It’s like a nice present for my birthday.
“And while work can be tiring from time to time I don’t honestly feel that I’ve worked hard because I’ve enjoyed it.
“And yet it’s still work. Ach it’s hard to describe.”
And he says his wife Majella played a pivotal role in his thriving career, crediting her for changing his life.
The couple married on November 4, 2002 and since then he feels she has played a significant role in reshaping his public image through various reality TV shows, including Daniel & Majella’s B&B Roadtrip, Strictly Come Dancing and Room to Improve.
“My life changed dramatically when Majella came in to it,” he explained.
“There are aspects of my career that would not be if we hadn’t met, like doing things together on the television.
“That brought me to a different audience, showed another facet to my personality.
“Majella doesn’t dictate to me but you just grow with people and our relationship, especially on that B&B Road Trip, showed a side to me that wouldn’t have been seen if I was on my own.”
