Karen O, the frontwoman of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, withdrew from Olivia Rodrigo’s inaugural Daisy Chain Fields festival, citing a family emergency.
The 47-year-old vocalist expressed disappointment at pulling out of the 23-year-old pop star’s Daisy Chain Fields event at Great Park in Irvine, California, which took place on Saturday, August 29, 2026, and boasted a lineup that included Stevie Nicks, now 78, and Sarah McLachlan, then 58.
In a post on Instagram, Karen O explained that she could not perform at Daisy Chain due to a family emergency.
“I am truly saddened to miss such a historic music event, but I must be where I’m most needed—with family back east.”
“So much gratitude to Olivia for her advocacy for women, by women, who totally rock.”
“Much [red heart emoji] KO. (sic)”
Fans rushed to the comments to send their well-wishes to the artist and her family. One person wrote that they were sad she couldn’t make it but happy she was prioritizing family, and they hoped Daisy Chain would return next year.
A second supporter added that she was missed but that life goes on, sending her magical love.
A third follower chimed in, saying, “We love you and hope all is well!”
Although Karen O could not attend, a spectator noted that her music was played nonstop over the festival’s speakers, with tracks such as “Maps” and “Heads Will Roll.”
They added that many attendees felt her presence in spirit nonetheless.
Olivia ultimately welcomed Stevie Nicks, Sarah McLachlan, and Alanis Morissette, aged 78, 58, and 52 respectively, as special guests at the event.
The all-female lineup, which also featured Chappell Roan and Doechii, both 28, and Rachel Chinouriri, 27, waived their performance fees, with proceeds directed to organizations supporting women and girls.
Daisy Chain Fields had already raised $10 million for ten non-profit organizations before the festival and soon doubled to $20 million following a matching donation from philanthropist Melinda French Gates, 62.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs formed in New York City in 2000 with Karen O, Nick Zinner, 51, and Brian Chase, 48.
They rose to global fame three years later with their breakout hit “Maps.”
