Ellen DeGeneres Mourns Tayt Andersen, Teen Fan She Called Her 'Only Boyfriend,' Dies at 19

Ellen DeGeneres is mourning the death of Tayt Andersen, a longtime guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show who won viewers over with his humor, resilience and unshakable positivity while living with a congenital heart condition. He died at 19 after a battle with cancer, his family said early Friday, September 26.

Hours later, DeGeneres shared a heartfelt video tribute to the teen, who appeared on the talk show several times throughout its run. “We had a very special guest on the show several times, and his name is Tayt,” she said in the clip. “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,” she added before a montage of their moments together rolled.

In their family’s emotional Instagram statement, Tayt’s mom, Chrissy Becker, wrote, “We love you so much. Thank you for being his girlfriend you gave him so much strength ❤️.” The caption went on to detail Tayt’s final days, filled with his favorite movies, stories, and calls to loved ones. Becker’s post also read: “Our hearts are absolutely shattered as we share the news we never wanted to write: 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.” The message explained that Tayt’s time with his family had become increasingly limited, but they were grateful for every moment.

Tayt Andersen’s life was defined by a medical odyssey that began at birth. Born with half a heart, he endured 12 surgeries before age nine and received a heart transplant at age 10. His resilience continued to draw attention from fans who followed his journey on the show and in subsequent public posts. In his teens, he faced a post-transplant lymphoma diagnosis, followed by bladder cancer at 18. Despite those serious health challenges, he maintained a radiant outlook that resonated with viewers and became a touchstone for many families navigating serious pediatric illness.

The young fan’s appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show began in 2013, when he was just 10 years old. A video call in which he declared Ellen his girlfriend led to a later onstage visit, and by 2015 he returned with a triumphant message: “I got myself a new heart!” Those moments underscored why he became a beloved figure to audiences, illustrating perseverance, humor and warmth in the face of medical adversity.

The outpouring of affection following Tayt’s passing reflected the connection he built with viewers who watched him grow up on television. DeGeneres’ tribute video highlighted the mutual bond they shared and reinforced the larger message that Tayt’s story offered: resilience can illuminate even the hardest days. Family members and fans alike noted that Tayt’s spirit remained undiminished by illness, and his impact extended beyond the screen, inspiring others to face their own challenges with courage and hope.

As the family memorialized Tayt’s life, observers noted the broader cultural moment his story represented: a child who became a symbol of strength and positivity during a long illness, and a television host who used her platform to celebrate the extraordinary resilience of a young fan. The announcement of his death closes a chapter that many viewers have followed for more than a decade, but the memories of his kindness, humor, and determination are expected to endure in the public record and in the hearts of those who watched him on air.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show and its audience have expressed condolences in statements and posts, while Tayt’s family has asked for privacy as they grieve. There was no immediate public update on funeral plans or a broader public service; instead, the family was focused on sharing Tayt’s legacy and the love that surrounded him in his final days.

Tayt Andersen lived with a zest for life that transcended his health challenges, a quality that prompted viewers to celebrate the small moments and the long horizons he imagined for himself. His story—woven through his medical battles and his appearances on a popular daytime program—remains a testament to the power of optimism, family support, and community, especially for young people facing difficult diagnoses. In reflecting on his life, friends, family, and fans alike are likely to remember not just his battles, but the bright, stubborn joy he carried with him in every room he entered.