After decades in the spotlight — and plenty of ups and downs — Ellen DeGeneres is settling into a new chapter far from Hollywood.
In a heartfelt and refreshingly candid conversation over the weekend, the comedian revealed that she and her wife Portia de Rossi have officially swapped the chaos of U.S. politics for the peaceful charm of the Cotswolds in England.
A Presidential Win That Prompted a Life Change
Ellen opened up during an appearance at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, speaking to broadcaster Richard Bacon about how she and Portia landed in the UK.
The couple had just arrived the day before a U.S. election — and when the results came in, Ellen said they immediately knew: “We’re staying here.”
She didn’t name Donald Trump directly in that quote, but she made it clear that his win was the final nudge they needed to leave the States behind.
Loving Life in the Cotswolds
Since relocating in November, Ellen has been enchanted by the slower pace and the breathtaking scenery.
“It’s absolutely beautiful,” she gushed. “The villages, the architecture, the politeness — it’s a much simpler way of life. Everything’s just better.”
The move even brought some “firsts” for her, like seeing snow for the very first time.
Their rural setup now includes chickens, horses that Portia had flown over, and — briefly — a pair of sheep.
Considering a Second Wedding in the UK
One of the more poignant moments from the chat came when Ellen spoke about threats to LGBTQ+ rights back home in the U.S.
She shared concerns over moves by some American religious groups to roll back same-sex marriage rights, including efforts from the Baptist Church.
That uncertainty has prompted her and Portia to consider something deeply personal: getting married again, this time in the UK.
“We’re already looking into it,” she said. “If they take it away there, we’ll do it here.”
A Hope for Greater Acceptance
Ellen didn’t mince words when discussing how far there still is to go when it comes to LGBTQ+ acceptance.
“I wish we were in a place where it wasn’t scary for people to be who they are,” she said.
“Until then, we can’t say we’ve made huge progress.”
Her words echoed the same vulnerability and hope that fans have seen her share over the years — a mix of honesty, advocacy, and heart.
Finding Joy in the Little Things
These days, Ellen often shares glimpses of her peaceful country life on social media.
One recent photo shows her standing behind Portia, watching a rainbow stretch over the rolling hills.
In her caption, she wrote: “3 things that make me happy: My wife, a rainbow, and my wife taking a photograph of a rainbow.”
It’s a far cry from red carpets and studio lights — and it sounds like exactly what she needed.
Reflecting on the End of Her Talk Show Era
Of course, Ellen is no stranger to public scrutiny.
Back in 2020, she faced serious backlash over accusations of a toxic work environment behind the scenes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
She eventually apologized and reflected on what she’d learned, calling that chapter “eye-opening.”
In 2022, the show came to an end after nearly two decades on air.
Returning to Comedy — But with Mixed Results
Ellen made a return to the stage with her 2024 Netflix special Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval.
Unfortunately, the comeback didn’t land quite as she might have hoped — critics weren’t kind, and the special received a rough 33% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
But for Ellen, it seems the focus has shifted.
Her life now is less about applause and ratings, and more about family, peace, and finally being somewhere that truly feels like home.