Rosie was brought up in Doncaster. She was educated at Doncaster Grammar School and Hull University, where she received a BA Hons in History.
Rosie was head of Office for John Prescott MP, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party from 1994-97.
Rosie was elected as Member of Parliament for Doncaster Central in 1997 and retired in 2024. During her Parliamentary career, Rosie was Minister at the Department of Health, Minister of State for Local Government, Minister of State for Regional Economic Development and Co-ordination and Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber.
Rosie was Opposition Chief Whip 2010 - 2016.
Rosie was elected as a Deputy Speaker June 2017, again retiring in June 2024.