In a shocking turn of events, beloved comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has left the United States for good. The Emmy-winning star, known for her groundbreaking daytime show The Ellen DeGeneres Show, has reportedly sold her luxurious Montecito estate in California and moved to the English countryside. In an announcement that stunned fans worldwide, Ellen declared, “I will never return to America.” The move marks a dramatic new chapter in her life as she seeks solace away from the glare of Hollywood and the controversies that shadowed her final years on television.
Ellen’s decision to relocate has been speculated upon for months. After her daytime show ended in 2022 following allegations of workplace misconduct, the talk show icon largely retreated from the public eye. While she denied many of the allegations, the media frenzy surrounding the scandal undeniably left a mark on her reputation. According to sources close to Ellen, the move to England represents a desire to leave behind the negativity and focus on a quieter, more fulfilling life.
Her newly purchased home is located in a picturesque English village in the Cotswold’s, renowned for its rolling hills, charming cottages, and tranquil lifestyle. The property, reportedly a sprawling 18th-century manor, features traditional stone walls, extensive gardens, and a serene countryside view. It’s a stark contrast to the glamorous Montecito estate Ellen shared with her wife, Portia de Rossi, which epitomized Californian luxury with modern architecture, infinity pools, and ocean views.
Selling the Montecito home was a bold statement in itself. Ellen and Portia had been fixtures in the tight-knit celebrity enclave, which is also home to Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle. Their estate, valued at over $40 million, symbolized their status as one of Hollywood’s power couples. However, Ellen’s departure from the Montecito community appears to have been a deliberate step in her decision to distance herself from the American celebrity culture she once thrived in.
Ellen’s departure isn’t just about leaving behind a home; it reflects her growing disenchantment with the United States. In her candid statement to the press, Ellen elaborated on her reasons: “America no longer feels like home to me. The environment has become too toxic, both socially and politically. I need a place where I can breathe, think, and rediscover who I am without the noise.” This sentiment echoes the feelings of many high-profile figures who have sought refuge abroad in recent years due to divisive political climates and media scrutiny.
While Ellen’s fans have expressed both sadness and understanding, critics were quick to question her motives. Some have accused her of running away from the controversies that tarnished her career rather than addressing them head-on. Others have pointed out that Ellen’s immense wealth affords her the privilege of escaping challenges that everyday Americans face. Regardless of public opinion, Ellen appears resolute in her decision.
Despite her exit from the U.S., Ellen insists that she’s not stepping away from her platform entirely. In fact, she hinted at plans to produce a series of projects from her new home in England. Rumors suggest that she is exploring a return to television, albeit in a very different capacity. A source close to Ellen revealed, “She’s thinking about doing something more low-key, perhaps a documentary series or an interview show with a more serious tone. This is not a retirement—it’s a reinvention.”
The move to England has also brought Ellen closer to her love of nature and animals. She has often spoken about her passion for wildlife conservation and her dream of living in a place where she could be surrounded by nature. In her new English home, she plans to dedicate more time to her charity work and personal projects. Friends of the star have noted her renewed sense of peace and enthusiasm for life since making the move.
Meanwhile, Ellen’s wife, Portia, has reportedly embraced the relocation with equal enthusiasm. The couple, who celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary this year, are said to be thriving in their new surroundings. Portia, an accomplished actress and entrepreneur, has also expressed a desire to step away from the limelight in recent years. Together, they are embarking on this new chapter as partners, focused on their shared love for travel, art, and philanthropy.
As Ellen settles into her life abroad, it remains to be seen how the public will respond to her departure in the long term. Some fans feel a sense of loss, knowing that one of America’s most iconic entertainers has chosen to leave the country indefinitely. Others see it as a bold and necessary move for someone seeking peace and personal growth after decades in the spotlight.
For now, Ellen DeGeneres seems to have found exactly what she was looking for: a fresh start, a new home, and the freedom to live life on her own terms. Whether she eventually returns to America or remains nestled in the English countryside, one thing is certain—Ellen is as unapologetically herself as ever, continuing to inspire conversation and captivate audiences worldwide, even from afar.
