STAGE TUBE: Rosie O'Donnell Sounds Off on Why Her Departure from THE VIEW Wasn't Discussed on Air

Viewers were a slightly stumped this morning when Rosie O'Donnell and her fellow co-hosts ignored the fact that she was leaving ABC's THE VIEW this week due to health concerns. This afternoon, O'Donnell uploaded a new video to YouTube, explaining her reasoning behind not discussing her departure on air. Check it out below!

As previously reported, this week will be O'Donnell's last on the daytime talk show, and yesterday at the Athena Film Festival, she confirmed that her doctor was concerned stress from the show was causing strain on her heart.

"[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."

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."

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.