Renowned comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres is mourning the loss of one of her most unforgettable fans, and her ‘only boyfriend’. Tayt Andersen, the young boy from Idaho with half a heart, had become a much-loved fan and guest who used to frequent Ellen’s talk show, documenting his journey with the congenital heart condition over the years.
On September 26, 2025, Tayt Andersen died peacefully in his sleep after years of battle with multiple health complications and a recent battle with cancer, weeks before what was supposed to be his 20th birthday. His grieving mother, Chrissy Becker, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram in a family statement. After his passing, Ellen posted an emotional Instagram video, holding back tears as she remembered the pure soul.
So, who was Tayt Andesen, the young boy who stole hearts on The Ellen DeGeneres Show by proudly calling the comedian his ‘girlfriend’? Here’s a look at the bright soul who left his bodily prison after multiple surgeries and health battles.
Ellen DeGeneres mourns the death of her ‘only boyfriend’, Tayt Andersen
Tayt Anderson was one of the most memorable and beloved fans who frequented The Ellen DeGeneres Show over the years. The talk show host, whom Tayt proudly called his ‘girlfriend’, used to visit the teen and celebrate all his milestones by his side. The avid fan had first appeared on Ellen’s show in 2013, when he was just seven years old, and had since frequented the show multiple times throughout its run.
Hours after Andersen’s death, Ellen, 67, took to her Instagram to share an emotional message for the departed 19-year-old, calling him a ‘very special little human being’ and including a video montage of their special interactions in her talk show over the years. An emotional Ellen can be heard saying:
“We had a very special guest on the show several times, and his name is Tayt. And he thought that I was his girlfriend, and so I told him he was my boyfriend, which shocked my wife. But he was a very special little human being, and just brought joy and life and laughter into every room that he was in… I will miss him.”
The post included a montage of Tayt’s many appearances on the show, from his early video call with Ellen in 2013 to the unforgettable day he sat on her stage and announced, “I got myself a new heart!” The post was captioned “I love you, Tayt. I love you, Chrissy. You touched so many lives.”
See Ellen’s post here.
Who was Tayt Andersen, the boy born with half a heart?
Tayt Andersen’s story captured national attention for years before his unfortunate passing. The Idaho teen was born with only half a heart, and by the time he was nine, he had already endured 12 excruciating surgeries. When he was 10, he underwent a heart transplant, finally getting a whole new heart. In a moving video recorded by his mom, Chrissy, little Tayt can be seen excitedly announcing:
“I am getting a new heart!”
However, while the procedure saved his life, it set the stage for years of health challenges, including post-transplant lymphoma and, later, bladder cancer that spread through his spine, neck, pelvis and abdomen, leaving him with only 4 months to live.
Despite the constant medical battles, radiation treatments, and months-long hospital visits and a whole lot of pain, Tayt’s spirit never dimmed. He continued to endure it all with a smile that could melt even the toughest of hearts, and love that kept his family fighting harder for his well-being.
Through it all, one thing that remained a constant was Tayt’s love for Ellen DeGeneres and her talk show. His medical team and nurses even had to schedule therapy sessions around The Ellen DeGeneres Show, because it was the one thing guaranteed to make him smile, irrespective of whatever pain he was enduring.
His final fight with cancer
No one could have imagined that nine years after the good news story on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Tayt would fight for his life again. According to the final ‘Tayt Update’ before his death, posted days ago, on September 18, 2025, the 19-year-old’s chemotherapy sessions had started. Despite seeing some improvement, the family unfortunately knew his time was fading. However, the strong-spirited person that he was, Tayt endured it all with a smile and reminded his mom how much he loved her. The update reads:
“Even through the pain and the weariness, he still finds moments of light. He’s always smiling, and with every simple act—taking his medicine, using the bathroom, eating a little bit—he says, ‘Thank you, I love you, Mom. You’re my best friend.’ I know our time is starting to fade, so we just continue to hold him close and fill every moment with love… Tayt is my hero. He has taught me the incredible power of a simple ‘I love you’ and reminded me to tell those I cherish how much I appreciate them.”
Tayt Andersen dies days before his 20th birthday
Tayt was about to celebrate his 20th birthday on October 10, 2025, but unfortunately, that day will now be riddled with heartbreak and haunting memories of his smiling face. On September 26, 2025, Andersen passed away in his sleep, reportedly at 1:30 a.m. CT. In a statement, Tayt’s mother, Chrissy Becker, shared the devastating news of his passing:
“Our sweet, strong warrior, Tayt, was released from his bodily prison early this morning, at 1:30 a.m. CT, surrounded by the fierce love of his family. While our souls feel shattered and lost by this unimaginable grief, we are so thankful that Tayt is finally free. No more pain, no more appointments, no more treatments.”
She added a personal message to Ellen, thanking her for her role in her son’s journey. Chrissy wrote, “We love you so much. Thank you for being his girlfriend — you gave him so much strength.”
From his hometown of Rigby, Idaho, to Ellen’s stage in Hollywood, Tayt inspired countless people with his resilience, kindness, and joy. As Ellen rightfully put it once, “There aren’t too many people who have a heart as good as yours.”
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