Remembering Tayt Anderson: Ellen DeGeneres’ Beloved Guest Passes Away at 19

Tayt Anderson, who touched millions through his appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, has passed away at 19 after a long, courageous battle with illness.

Born with only the right side of his heart, doctors once said Tayt wouldn’t live past three months. By age nine, he had undergone 12 surgeries. At 10, he received a heart transplant, a gift that extended his life but led to complications, including post-transplant lymphoma as a teen.

In 2024, Tayt was diagnosed with bladder cancer at just 18. Despite aggressive treatments, it spread to his pelvis, spine, abdomen, chest, and neck. By summer 2025, doctors told him he had four months to live. He made it three.

His family shared their grief in a heartfelt statement: “While our souls feel shattered and lost, we are so thankful that Tayt is finally free. No more pain, no more appointments, no more treatments. Tayt was loved by so many, and he impacted countless lives with his incredible smile, his quiet strength, and his kindness.”

Tayt first appeared on Ellen’s show in 2013, when the seven-year-old referred to her as his “girlfriend.” Ellen embraced the sweet moment, calling him her “only boyfriend.” His mother, Chrissy Becker, recalled how Ellen’s show lifted his spirits during hospital stays, even influencing doctors to schedule around it.

He returned to the show several times, including in 2015 to celebrate his new heart. Ellen and her team supported his family with gifts, trips, and practical help. Tayt carried with him Dory’s mantra from Finding Nemo: “Just keep swimming.”

In response to his passing, Ellen shared a video tribute: “He was a very special little human being. Just brought joy and life and laughter into every room that he was in. And I will miss him.”

Despite years of pain, Tayt lived fully—graduating high school, traveling, and inspiring countless families. His story was not just about illness but about resilience, joy, and love. His legacy will remain as a reminder to keep swimming through life’s hardest battles.