Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, are leaving the United States for a new chapter abroad. According to multiple reports, the couple has relocated to England and plans to sell their Montecito, California, home.
Sources reveal that their decision to move was influenced by the recent 2024 U.S. presidential election results, which saw former President Donald Trump defeat Vice President Kamala Harris. Ellen had publicly endorsed Harris during the campaign, making the outcome particularly significant for the talk show host and her wife.
Settling in Across the Pond
Ellen and Portia appear to be adjusting well to their new life in England. Last week, they were spotted at British host Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, in Burford, England. A video shared on Instagram by Clarkson’s girlfriend, Lisa Hogan, captured the couple enjoying an acoustic performance by The Corrs. They were joined by singer Natalie Imbruglia, best known for her 1997 hit “Torn,” who frequently collaborates with the Irish group.
The couple’s new home is reportedly in the Cotswolds, a picturesque and celebrity-favorite rural area of England. Over the years, Ellen has owned several high-profile properties in California, including homes in Montecito near neighbors like Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Oprah Winfrey.
Ellen’s Exit from the Spotlight
Ellen’s move abroad aligns with her gradual withdrawal from the entertainment industry. In 2022, she ended her iconic daytime talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, after 19 seasons. The decision came in the wake of an internal investigation into allegations of a “toxic work environment,” which resulted in the departure of three senior staff members in 2020.
Reflecting on her journey, Ellen said, “We have made the necessary changes, and today we are starting a new chapter.”
This July, Ellen confirmed her plans to step away from show business. During a stand-up performance in Santa Rosa, California, a fan asked if she would consider appearing on Broadway or in films. Ellen’s response was definitive: “This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.”
Her final comedy special, Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval, premiered on Netflix in September 2024. In the special, Ellen addressed her departure from the industry with humor, saying, “I got kicked out of show business. Yeah, ’cause I’m mean. You can’t be mean and be in show business. No, they’ll kick you out.”
Despite the controversies, Ellen reflected on her talk show’s legacy with fondness. “I loved my show. It was a family to me,” she shared. “I have a choice of people remembering me as someone who is mean or someone who is beloved. I choose that.”