Rosie O’Donnell set to guest host 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in August as Jimmy Kimmel takes summer break

Rosie O’Donnell is heading back to late night television, with the comedian set to guest host Jimmy Kimmel Live! later this summer.

According to Entertainment Weekly, O’Donnell will take over hosting duties for one week beginning August 17, 2026, while Jimmy Kimmel enjoys his annual two-month summer hiatus. Kimmel announced the news on his show, joking that O’Donnell's appearance would be a “special treat” for President Donald Trump, with whom she has had a decades-long feud.

O’Donnell will join a rotating lineup of celebrity guest hosts that includes Tiffany Haddish, Colman Domingo, Ike Barinholtz, Anthony Anderson and Jelly Roll. Kimmel has made a tradition of stepping away during the summer months, allowing fellow stars to take over the ABC late-night programme.

The comedian expressed her excitement on Instagram, writing that she was thrilled to be returning to television in the role. The guest-hosting stint comes as O’Donnell prepares to bring her one-woman show, Common Knowledge, to New York City following performances overseas.

Kimmel and O’Donnell have both had highly public clashes with Trump over the years. Their feud dates back to 2006, when O’Donnell criticised Trump on The View after he defended Miss USA Tara Conner amid controversy surrounding the beauty queen. The exchange sparked years of insults and public jabs between the pair.

O’Donnell recently made headlines for revealing that she had sold all of her US real estate and relocated to Ireland with her son Clay, citing political concerns. Despite the move, she has continued to make appearances in the United States and remains outspoken about her opposition to Trump.

Her week behind the desk of Jimmy Kimmel Live! marks a rare return to hosting for the Emmy-winning star and is likely to bring plenty of laughs, and perhaps a few political barbs — when she takes over in August.