Ellen DeGeneres Pays Tribute to Longtime Fan with Emotional Story

A young man who shared a unique and public bond with Ellen DeGeneres has died. Tayt Andersen, whom DeGeneres lovingly called her “only boyfriend,” passed away on Friday, September 26. He was 19 years old. His family confirmed his death after a long and public fight against cancer.

DeGeneres paid tribute to him just hours later in a heartfelt video message on her social media. She remembered Tayt as a special person who brought immense joy to everyone he met. Their friendship was a highlight of his life and a touching story for her audience.

Family Announces the Loss of a “Sweet, Strong Warrior”

Andersen’s family shared the sad news on his Instagram account. They posted a emotional statement alongside black-and-white photos. The family said their hearts were “absolutely shattered” by the loss.

“Our sweet, strong warrior, Tayt, was released from his bodily prison early this morning,” the statement read. He passed away at 1:30 a.m. CT surrounded by his family’s love. They expressed thankfulness that he was finally free from pain and medical treatments.

The family described their final days together as precious. They filled the time with love, goodbyes, and his favorite activities. They acknowledged that while they knew time was short, they were not ready to let him go.

A Lifetime of Medical Challenges and Courage

Tayt Andersen’s life was defined by incredible resilience. He was born with a complex congenital heart defect. This condition required him to undergo 12 surgeries before he even turned 9 years old.

According to reports from sources like the Associated Press, he received a life-changing heart transplant at age 10. However, further challenges arose in his teens. He was diagnosed with post-transplant lymphoma, a form of cancer.

Later, at 18, he faced a separate bladder cancer diagnosis. This cancer aggressively spread throughout his body. Despite a difficult prognosis given earlier this year, he continued to inspire thousands with his positive spirit.

A Bond Forged on Television and in the Heart

The world first met Tayt during a 2013 episode of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” During their conversation, the young boy declared DeGeneres was his girlfriend. She warmly reciprocated, dubbing him her “only boyfriend,” a joke that delighted audiences.

This initial meeting sparked a lasting friendship. He made several return appearances on the show over the years. One particularly memorable moment came in 2015 when he proudly announced to DeGeneres, “I got myself a new heart!”

Following DeGeneres’s tribute video, Tayt’s mother, Chrissy Becker, expressed her gratitude. She thanked DeGeneres for the years of friendship and for giving her son so much strength. Their unique relationship provided a public beacon of kindness and connection.

The story of Tayt Andersen is one of profound courage. His fight against illness touched many around the world. His special friendship with Ellen DeGeneres remains a powerful reminder of joy and human connection.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: How did Tayt Andersen and Ellen DeGeneres meet?

They first met in January 2013 when Tayt was a guest on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” He captured hearts by telling Ellen she was his girlfriend, which began their long-running, playful bond.

Q2: What kind of cancer did Tayt Andersen have?

Tayt faced multiple cancer battles. He was diagnosed with post-transplant lymphoma as a teen. Later, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer that spread extensively throughout his body.

Q3: How old was Tayt Andersen when he got a heart transplant?

He received a heart transplant at the age of 10. This was after undergoing 12 previous surgeries related to a congenital heart condition he was born with.

Q4: How did Ellen DeGeneres react to Tayt’s passing?

Ellen DeGeneres shared a heartfelt video tribute on her social media shortly after his death. She called him a “very special little human being” and said she would miss him deeply.

Q5: What did Tayt Andersen’s family say about his death?

His family announced his passing in an emotional Instagram post. They described him as a “sweet, strong warrior” and expressed relief that he was finally free from his suffering.