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well-deserved retirement

Ellen DeGeneres shares cute selfie with Portia de Rossi, and the backdrop might be their new home in the UK

Embracing a quieter lifestyle away from the limelight


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
UPDATED DECEMBER 2, 2024 3:42 PM EST

Ellen DeGeneres celebrated a significant milestone in her relationship with her wife, Portia de Rossi, sharing a touching tribute on social media to mark their 20th anniversary. The post, filled with heartfelt words and gratitude, highlighted the couple's deep bond after two decades together.

In her emotional post, Ellen began by reflecting on the journey she and Portia embarked on two decades ago. "20 years ago today we began this relationship not realizing what a long, beautiful adventure this would be. You are the best thing that ever happened in my life," Ellen wrote, setting the tone for the affectionate message.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 17:(L-R) Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are seen as RH Celebrates The Unveiling of RH San Francisco, The Gallery at the Historic Bethlehem Steel Building on March 17, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kelly Sullivan/Getty Images for RH)© Kelly Sullivan
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 17:(L-R) Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are seen as RH Celebrates The Unveiling of RH San Francisco, The Gallery at the Historic Bethlehem Steel Building on March 17, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kelly Sullivan/Getty Images for RH)

The 66-year-old former talk show host went on to describe the profound impact Portia has had on her life. She credited Portia for being her anchor and support system, adding: "You take care of me. You help me see the good in everything. You help to guide me and pick me up when I feel off or down. You are a beautiful soul that I am so very grateful to have as a partner to navigate this crazy life with."

A New Chapter in the Cotswolds

Ellen and Portia, who recently relocated to the picturesque Cotswolds region in England, are embracing a quieter lifestyle away from the limelight. Ellen expressed excitement about their future together, writing:  

"So happy we get to travel and explore the world together in the next 20 years, and looking forward to our first snowy Christmas."

View post on Instagram
 

Accompanying the heartfelt post was a selfie of the couple smiling against a serene countryside backdrop that appears to be their new Cotswolds home. Ellen concluded the post by writing, " P.S. For those of you concerned, our UK farmhouse did NOT flood."

Two Decades of Love and Adventure

The couple's journey began in 2001 when they first met in Los Angeles, though they didn't start dating until 2004. In 2008, they tied the knot in a private ceremony, marking the start of a life filled with shared passions, including their love for home renovations and rescue animals.

Despite their move to the UK, Ellen and Portia's relationship continues to thrive. Their relocation comes after Ellen's decision to step back from her public career. Once a beloved talk show host, the star faced allegations of fostering a toxic workplace environment, leading to the end of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in 2022.

Looking Forward Together

In November, a source close to DeGeneres said the couple's decision to move was spurred by Donald Trump's 2024 election and their desire for a fresh start away from the United States.

Their Montecito estate, a luxurious property they purchased in 2019 and located near other well-known stars like Oprah, is either already pocket-listed or will be officially listed for sale soon. This expansive home is their primary residence just north of Los Angeles. What will happen to their other properties in Southern California remains to be seen.

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 15: Ellen DeGeneres walks onstage during the Michelle Obama: The Light We Carry Tour at Warner Theatre on November 15, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Live Nation)© Tasos Katopodis
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 15: Ellen DeGeneres walks onstage during the Michelle Obama: The Light We Carry Tour at Warner Theatre on November 15, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Live Nation)

An insider revealed to Daily Mail that the couple's move to England was part of a long-term plan, predating Donald Trump's presidency. The source also noted that Ellen and Portia fully embrace this new phase as a well-deserved retirement:  "Neither one of them has any projects lined up. This is Ellen and Portia's retirement."