Ellen DeGeneres paid tribute to young fan Tayt Andersen, who appeared on her show multiple times while battling serious heart and cancer conditions, after his death at age 18.
Former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has shared a moving tribute to Tayt Andersen, a young fan who captured hearts when he appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show while living with a severe heart condition.
Tayt, who DeGeneres lovingly called her “only boyfriend,” passed away on September 26 after a lifelong battle with health issues.
Tayt’s Brave Battle
Born with half a heart, Tayt underwent 12 surgeries before the age of nine. At just 10, he received a heart transplant. But his journey was far from over — he was later diagnosed with post-transplant lymphoma, and in 2024, doctors found he had bladder cancer.
Earlier this year, Tayt and his family learned the cancer had spread to his pelvis, spine, abdomen, chest, and neck, leaving him with a heartbreaking prognosis of only a few months.
His family confirmed he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Ellen’s Emotional Tribute
Now 67 and living in the UK, DeGeneres posted a video remembering her time with Tayt.
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“We had a very special guest on the show several times, and his name is Tayt,” she said. “He thought I was his girlfriend, so I told him he was my boyfriend. He was such a special little human being — full of joy, life, and laughter. I will miss him.”
The tribute video ended with touching clips of Tayt’s appearances on her show.
Tayt’s mom, Chrissy Becker, thanked Ellen for giving her son confidence and joy: “We love you so much. Thank you for being his girlfriend — you gave him so much strength.”
Family’s Heartfelt Statement
On Instagram, Tayt’s family wrote:
“Our hearts are absolutely shattered. Our sweet, strong warrior Tayt was released from his bodily prison early this morning… No more pain, no more treatments. He was loved by so many, and he impacted countless lives with his smile, his kindness, and his strength.”
They asked for thoughts, prayers, and grace as they mourn their son.
A GoFundMe page remains active to help support Tayt’s family during this devastating time.
