Rosie O'Donnell Comments on Decision to Leave THE VIEW

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Rosie O'Donnell is leaving ABC's THE VIEW due to concerns for her health. The TV personality revealed at the Athena Film Festival yesterday that her doctor was concerned stress from the show was causing strain on her heart.

As previously reported, this week will be O'Donnell's last on the daytime talk show.

"[My health] got a little bit worse right before the holidays -- [my doctor] was kind of concerned. I can't really fix [my personal life] right away, but I can fix [my job]. So I spoke to them at ABC, and I told them, and they understood," O'Donnell told reporters. "They've been unbelievably supportive and loving."

O'Donnell has also talked to fellow co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace about her exit and said they were all understanding. "Everyone cares about each other -- nobody wants to do anything that's going to affect someone's health, so they get it. Not everything works out as you planned, but you never know what's going to happen tomorrow."

The actress also commented on she and her wife Michelle Rounds' separation and her decision to be honest with the media about their situation. "I don't want to lie in front of people. And I also needed some time, both of us, to figure it out. We're separated; we're not living together, and, like most married couples I know, we're trying to figure it out. I love her very much and she loves me."

O'Donnell's rep Cindi Berger told the New York Post last week: "I can confirm that Rosie and her wife Michelle split in November. Rosie has teens and an infant at home that need her attention. This has been a very stressful situation. She is putting her personal health and family first. ABC has been wonderfully understanding and supportive of her personal decision to leave 'The View.' Next week will be her last."

ABC said in a statement: "Rosie is an immensely talented star who comes in each and every morning brimming with ideas, excitement and passion for the show. When she told us she wanted to exit 'The View,' we respected and understood her desire to put her well-being and her family first. We're delighted she's still part of the ABC Family with upcoming guest appearances on 'The Fosters,' and we know she'll return to 'The View' often with her unique point of view and updates on her work and her family."

This will be O'Donnell's second withdrawal from THE VIEW; she left back in 2007 due to conflicts with the rest of the panel. The actress returned again last year.

O'Donnell, with a career spanning three decades, has enjoyed great success in theater, film, radio, and TV. She hosted the Emmy-winning ROSIE O'DONNELL SHOW from 1996-2002. In 2003, she and Lori Klinger launched the non-profit performing arts organization Rosie's Broadway Kids, now Rosie's Theater Kids (RTKids), an arts education organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children through the arts. O'Donnell, who has hosted the TONY AWARDS several times, has appeared on Broadway in GREASE, SEUSSICAL and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. O'Donnell's HBO special A HEARTFELT STAND UP is set to air on Valentine's Day.

"The View" is a live, one-hour daily talk show from ABC (11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, ET) featuring moderator Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie O'Donnell, Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace. It is the original forum in which real women discuss everyday issues, share their opinions and engage in colorful conversations. "The View," broadcast in HDTV and produced in 2-channel stereo sound, is now available to watch online daily at 4:00 p.m., ET/1:00 p.m., PT on ABC.com. "The View" is owned and produced by ABC. Bill Wolff is executive producer. Brian Balthazar is co-executive producer. "The View" is directed by Ashley S. Gorman.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride