Ellen DeGeneres is grieving the loss of a cherished friend and frequent guest, Tayt Andersen , who passed away at 19 after a courageous battle with cancer. Tayt, known for his infectious smile and unwavering spirit, first appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2013, where he affectionately referred to Ellen as his "girlfriend," prompting her to dub him her "only boyfriend." Their unique bond brought joy to audiences and showcased the deep connection they shared.
Tayt was born with a rare condition
Tayt Andersen’s health journey was extraordinary, and incredibly tough. Born with half a heart, he faced life-threatening challenges from day one. By age 9, he had already gone through 12 major surgeries, each one critical to keeping him alive. Then, at just 10, he underwent a heart transplant, a procedure that not only saved his life but also introduced new medical hurdles, like managing a weakened immune system to prevent rejection.
But Tayt’s battles didn’t stop there. In his teenage years, he was diagnosed with post-transplant lymphoma, a type of cancer that can develop when the immune system is compromised after a transplant. Imagine being a teen and facing chemotherapy and hospital stays while most kids are navigating school and friends—Tayt handled it with incredible courage. Later, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer, another serious and invasive condition, which he confronted with the same resilience and positivity he had always shown.
Despite these hardships, Tayt's resilience and positivity remained steadfast. His family announced his passing on September 26, 2025, describing his final moments as peaceful and surrounded by love.
Ellen shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing her sorrow and admiration for Tayt's enduring spirit. In a video message, she recalled their special moments together, emphasizing the joy and laughter he brought into every room. Her words resonated deeply with fans and friends alike, highlighting the profound impact Tayt had on those around him.
"I love you Tayt. I love you Chrissy. You touched so many lives," Ellen posted on Instagram.

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Tayt's mother, Chrissy Becker, expressed gratitude for Ellen's support, noting that Tayt found strength and happiness through their interactions. The family also set up a GoFundMe page to honor his memory and support causes close to his heart. Tayt's legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the inspiration he provided to many.
As the world remembers Tayt, his story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, love, and the enduring bonds formed through shared experiences.