Rosie O’Donnell is set to take over hosting duties on Jimmy Kimmel Live! while Jimmy Kimmel goes on his annual summer break. Kimmel announced the news during his June 18, 2026 monologue, revealing a lineup of guest hosts that includes several familiar faces.
A Summer of Guest Hosts
Kimmel confirmed he will be taking his usual two-month summer break starting in July. A rotation of celebrity guest hosts will fill in during his absence. The confirmed guest hosts include Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Ike Barinholtz, Colman Domingo, and Jelly Roll.
Tiffany Haddish will kick off the guest hosting stint starting the week of July 6, 2026. Anthony Anderson, a frequent guest host on the show, will follow after Haddish.
Rosie O’Donnell’s Role
Kimmel introduced Rosie O’Donnell as a special guest host, presenting her appearance as a “treat” for President Donald Trump.
“As a special treat for our commander-in-chief, I asked one of his all-time favorites, Rosie O’Donnell, to be here to keep the hits coming. You’re welcome. And all I ask in return, Mr. President, is that you don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone.”
— Jimmy Kimmel, announcing O’Donnell as guest host
A representative for O’Donnell confirmed she will host a week of episodes starting August 17, 2026. O’Donnell shared Kimmel’s announcement on social media, expressing her excitement about the opportunity.
A Long-Standing Feud
The selection of O’Donnell as a guest host highlights her well-known public feud with President Trump, which has lasted nearly two decades. Their conflict began in 2006 when O’Donnell, then a co-host on The View, criticized Trump’s treatment of women and his business practices.
Trump has repeatedly attacked O’Donnell over the years, including in a September 2025 social media post where he suggested revoking her citizenship. O’Donnell has continued to speak out against Trump, calling him a “psychopath” in a recent interview.
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Kimmel’s Summer Break Tradition
Kimmel has taken a two-month summer break every year since 2020, a practice he adopted during the pandemic. This year’s break comes after Kimmel faced a brief suspension in September 2025 following comments about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
The late-night host’s contract with ABC currently runs through May 2027, and he has spoken openly about the possibility of ending the show. However, he plans to return after Labor Day as usual.
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