Ellen DeGeneres show star Tayt Anders

A Life of Courage

Tayt Anderson, remembered from The Ellen DeGeneres Show, has died

at 19 after a lifelong battle with illness.

Born with half a heart, doctors once said he wouldn’t live past three months.

By age 10, he had undergone 12 surgeries and received a heart transplant, which later led to further complications.

Health Struggles

In 2024, Tayt was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Despite treatment, it spread throughout his body.

Doctors gave him four months to live; he made it three.

His family said, “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.”

Ellen’s “Only Boyfriend”

Tayt first appeared on Ellen’s show in 2013, charming her by calling her his “girlfriend.” Ellen later said, “He was a very special little human being… And I will miss him.”

A Lasting Legacy

Despite years of pain, Tayt graduated high school, traveled, and inspired many with his motto from Finding Nemo: “Just keep swimming.”