Fifteen years into their marriage, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are basking in the joy of a stable and happy life together. Since the end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022, DeGeneres has embraced a more laid-back lifestyle, yet she hasn’t completely stepped out of the spotlight. Celebrating their wedding anniversary and marking a milestone in their journey together, DeGeneres and de Rossi appear closer than ever as they settle into a new rhythm.
To mark their anniversary, DeGeneres posted a heartfelt tribute to her wife on Instagram, sharing a snapshot of the two on a boat, posing in identical outfits. Her caption read, “To my wife of 15 years—I fall more in love with you every day. My life is blessed because you’re in it. Happy anniversary.” The post quickly garnered an outpouring of support and well-wishes from fans, friends, and fellow celebrities alike.
With the end of her long-running talk show, DeGeneres faced a significant change. She’s moved away from the rigorous schedule of hosting and filming, which had occupied 19 years of her life. Still, sources say she has no plans to retire just yet. DeGeneres is reportedly keeping busy with a variety of personal and professional projects. “Ellen is not retired. She did not renew her show, but she has never not worked,” a source close to the comedian shared. Currently, she’s involved with several brands, an upcoming documentary under a Discovery deal, and ongoing animal welfare initiatives.
For Ellen and Portia, one of their biggest joint projects has been investing in real estate. Known for their passion for beautiful homes, they recently purchased a sprawling Spanish-style estate in Montecito, California—a community they’ve grown to love. According to an insider, “Ellen and Portia recently bought a massive Spanish-style home in Montecito, and most of their summer has been consumed with working on it.” Their Montecito estate is described as a dream project that reflects their tastes and vision, a place they’ve carefully transformed into a comfortable, beautiful haven.
While Ellen has been known for her love of houses, Portia’s passion lies with horses. DeGeneres humorously remarked on their complementary interests, saying, “She’s as passionate about horses as I am about houses. But we don’t delve into each other’s silos. In fact, I can’t really get her to go into a furniture store with me—unless there’s a horse in there somewhere.” The couple has reportedly lived in over two dozen homes in the past eight years, but they are now thrilled to finally call this estate their “forever home.”
DeGeneres recently gave fans a glimpse into their life at home, sharing some insights in the Spring 2023 edition of The RIV Magazine. In the feature, she described why they chose the estate, revealing that although it required extensive renovation, the location and views were breathtaking. “This place is all about the spot,” DeGeneres shared. “The house needed a lot of work, but the spot was always amazing. Strangely, this was the very first place Portia and I ever looked at up here (in 2007).”
For de Rossi’s 50th birthday earlier this year, the couple celebrated in a memorable way by renewing their wedding vows. The intimate ceremony took place at their Montecito home, officiated by Kris Jenner, adding a personal touch to the occasion. Portia expressed her joy, calling the estate their “forever home,” a sentiment that resonates deeply after years of moving and searching for the perfect place.
Beyond their home, DeGeneres and de Rossi’s shared passion for animal welfare remains an important part of their lives. Ellen’s commitment to animal conservation led her to open The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in 2022, a gorilla sanctuary dedicated to protecting endangered gorillas. Known for her hands-on approach, DeGeneres has continued to support various animal welfare causes, donating her time and money to initiatives that align with her values.
As they look toward the future, Ellen and Portia are focused on building a life that brings them happiness and fulfillment, free from the demands of daily filming. Reflecting on their journey, Portia summed up their shared excitement: “I’m just so excited for the future where we just get to do whatever the hell we want for the rest of our lives.”
