17 Years And Counting: The Definitive Truth On "Did Ellen And Portia Split" Rumors (Updated December 2025)

The question "Did Ellen and Portia split?" has become an annual, almost seasonal, headline, and as of December 2025, the definitive answer remains a resounding *no*. Despite relentless tabloid speculation that has dogged the couple for over a decade, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are still legally and happily married, recently celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary in August 2025. The couple continues to navigate their post-*The Ellen DeGeneres Show* life, which has recently included a highly publicized move to and subsequent return from the English countryside, a major life change that has, predictably, fueled a new cycle of "trouble in paradise" narratives. The persistent rumors have intensified in 2024 and 2025, driven not by confirmed reports but by major life transitions, including Ellen's talk show retirement and their temporary relocation to the United Kingdom. However, every new wave of speculation, including reports as recent as September 2025 suggesting Portia was considering "time apart," has been countered by public appearances, social media posts, and statements confirming their unwavering bond. Their marriage is a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ visibility in Hollywood, and its stability is a constant, if often challenged, reality.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi: A Complete Biographical Profile

The enduring partnership of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi brings together two of Hollywood's most recognizable figures. Their relationship began in 2004, and they married shortly after same-sex marriage was legalized in California in 2008.

Ellen DeGeneres

• Full Name: Ellen Lee DeGeneres
• Born: January 26, 1958 (Age 67 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Metairie, Louisiana, U.S.
• Occupation: Comedian, Television Host, Actress, Writer, Producer
• Known For: *The Ellen DeGeneres Show* (2003–2022), *Ellen* (sitcom), *Finding Nemo* (voice of Dory)
• Key Relationship Entity: Her public coming out on *The Oprah Winfrey Show* and on the cover of *Time* magazine in 1997 was a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights.

Portia de Rossi

• Full Name: Portia Lee James DeGeneres (born Amanda Lee Rogers)
• Born: January 31, 1973 (Age 52 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Horsham, Victoria, Australia
• Occupation: Actress, Model, Philanthropist, Artist
• Known For: *Ally McBeal* (Nelle Porter), *Arrested Development* (Lindsay Fünke), *Scandal* (Elizabeth North)
• Key Relationship Entity: She legally changed her name to Portia Lee James DeGeneres in 2010.

The Truth Behind the "Split" Rumors: 17 Years and Counting

The narrative of an impending split between Ellen and Portia is one of the most persistent and least substantiated rumors in celebrity gossip. The couple has faced and publicly shut down these divorce rumors countless times throughout their 17-year marriage. The latest wave of speculation, circulating in late 2024 and throughout 2025, has been particularly aggressive, but the facts tell a different story. In August 2025, the couple marked their 17th wedding anniversary, a milestone that directly contradicts the claims of a marriage in crisis. Their longevity in Hollywood is a rarity, and their relationship has been a constant source of strength, even as Ellen navigated a difficult period following the end of her talk show and allegations surrounding the workplace culture. In a 2014 essay for *PEOPLE* magazine, Ellen definitively addressed the issue, explaining that the rumors are so frequent that they simply ignore them, asserting that their relationship was the opposite of rocky. This pattern of ignoring the noise and focusing on their private life has continued into the mid-2020s. Portia, in particular, has often expressed her unwavering support for Ellen, describing their bond as one of deep mutual respect and love. They are each other's primary topical authority on their own relationship, consistently confirming its strength on social media and in interviews.

The Cotswolds Chapter: Why Their UK Move Fueled New Speculation

A significant factor fueling the 2024-2025 split rumors was the couple's decision to temporarily relocate to the United Kingdom. Following the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, with the re-election of Donald Trump, Ellen and Portia made the highly public choice to leave their California properties and settle in the English countryside, specifically the Cotswolds. This dramatic life change was immediately seized upon by tabloids as a sign of marital strain. The narrative suggested that the move was an escape from their problems or that the change of scenery was causing friction. However, sources in 2025 revealed a more mundane and relatable reason for their subsequent return: they found rural life "boring." The couple, accustomed to the fast-paced, socially vibrant atmosphere of California and the Hollywood spotlight, reportedly missed the social scene and the opportunity to pursue new creative projects in the U.S. Their departure from the UK, and their plan to spend more time in the United States, was a mutual decision driven by a craving for excitement and the spotlight, not a marital breakdown. This geographical shift was a lifestyle choice, not a precursor to a divorce.

Key Relationship Milestones That Debunk the Rumors

The longevity of Ellen and Portia's marriage is a testament to their commitment, and a list of their key milestones provides a clear timeline that counters the persistent "split" narrative.

• 2004: Ellen and Portia meet and begin dating. Portia later described the connection as instantaneous.
• 2008 (May): Following the California Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage, Ellen announces their engagement on *The Ellen DeGeneres Show*.
• 2008 (August 16): The couple marries in an intimate ceremony at their Beverly Hills home, attended by only 19 guests, just months before Proposition 8 temporarily banned same-sex marriage in the state.
• 2010: Portia legally changes her name to Portia Lee James DeGeneres, solidifying their union.
• 2014: Ellen shuts down a major wave of breakup rumors in an essay for *PEOPLE*, calling the speculation "ridiculous."
• 2022: Ellen retires from her long-running talk show, marking a major life transition for both partners.
• 2024 (Late): The couple makes a temporary relocation to the UK's Cotswolds region after the US election.
• 2025 (March): They celebrate their 20-year long relationship anniversary (the start of their dating life).
• 2025 (August): Ellen and Portia celebrate their 17th wedding anniversary, a major milestone.

The Enduring Power of Ellen and Portia's Marriage

The constant circulation of split rumors surrounding Ellen and Portia is less about reality and more about the public's fascination with celebrity relationships, particularly those that challenge traditional norms. Their marriage is a high-profile example of a successful, long-term LGBTQ+ partnership, and its stability is often targeted by sensationalist reporting. However, as of late 2025, all current, verifiable information—from their 17th anniversary celebration to their mutual decision to return to the US from the UK—confirms that the couple is still deeply committed. They continue to be a united front, navigating post-talk show life, real estate ventures, and the relentless scrutiny of the media. The next time you see a headline asking "Did Ellen and Portia split?", remember the facts: they are still together, still married, and their bond remains one of the most enduring in Hollywood.