Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, will be celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary in August, but that didn’t stop them from celebrating Portia’s 50th birthday in style. The power couple threw a lavish birthday party at their Montecito estate with plenty of big-name celebrities in attendance.
At one point in the birthday party, Brandi Carlile started an acoustic serenade as everyone gathered into a large room – but Portia was nowhere to be found. That is until she walked in from around the corner in her wedding dress – the one she wore nearly 15 years ago – leaving Ellen in a state of utter shock.
With her jaw dropped and her eyes wide open, Ellen was escorted to the middle of the room by her wife – still having no idea what was going on. That’s when their good friend Kris Jenner walked in and gave a moving speech before Portia took the mic and renewed her vows in front of all their closest friends.
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“Welcome to Portia’s birthday party and to the newest home of one of my favorite couples, two of my [best friends] and the record holders for the most homes ever purchased in one city,” said Jenner, adding they were ‘born for each other’ and calling them ‘couples goals’ as she continued to gush over their love.
After the touching comments from Jenner, Portia stole the show with her beautiful words – expressing and reiterating how important Ellen DeGeneres is to her. “I feel like we’re on a new journey,” she said, adding she feels they’re finally starting to settle down and plant roots after living in 24 houses in 18 years.
“You don’t have to say anything at all but when I was thinking about what would make my birthday really special, a part from being with family and friends, it was reminding you that you’re the most important thing in the world to me,” said Portia, who added her excitement for what the future has in store for them.
Portia ended her speech by saying, “I’m so honored to be your wife,” before the two kissed – followed by a loud applause and cheer from their guests. Some of those in attendance were Katy Perry, Courtney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Orlando Bloom, and more.
A Look Back at Ellen DeGeneres’ Relationship With Portia
Ellen DeGeneres came out as lesbian in 1997 and quickly struck up a relationship with Anne Heche – who was killed in a car crash in August 2022 The two remained a couple up until August 2000, when Ellen started dating Alexandra Hedison – they were together for four years until separating in 2004.
In 2004, Ellen DeGeneres started dating Portia de Rossi. Four years later, with the same-sex marriage ban being overturned in the state of California, the couple got engaged and quickly got married in August 2008. Their wedding was at their home in Beverly Hills (at the time) and included just 19 guests.
Although Proposition 8 threatened the legality of their marriage, it was later validated when a California Supreme Court filed a judgment allowing it since it happened before November 4, 2008. In 2010, Portia legally changed her name to Portia Lee James DeGeneres and the two have lived happily ever after ever since.
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Ellen and Portia have now been together for nearly 19 years and married for nearly 15 years. They remain one of Hollywood’s biggest “it” couples and it appears they’re going to stay by each other’s side for many years to come. Now we just need to figure out how to get on their highly-coveted guest lists.