At a Glance
- Ellen DeGeneres celebrated her 68th birthday on January 26, 2026, sharing a heartfelt Instagram post.
- She acknowledged the difficulty of celebrating while reflecting on recent tragedies in Minneapolis.
- DeGeneres also highlighted her ongoing activism following the deaths of ICU nurse Alex Pretti and ICE detainee Renee Nicole Good.
Why it matters: The comedian’s public reflection ties personal celebration to broader social concerns, underscoring how public figures can use personal milestones to spotlight national issues.
Ellen DeGeneres marked her 68th birthday with a reflective Instagram post that combined personal gratitude with a call for solidarity amid recent tragedies in Minneapolis.
Birthday Post
Ellen DeGeneres shared a selfie with her wife, Portia de Rossi, on Instagram. The photo showed the comedian in a green sweater, arm around de Rossi, who was pictured enjoying a cookie. In the caption, DeGeneres wrote:
> “I’m holding space for what’s happening in our world and holding close what I’m grateful for. Like my wife. And cookies.”
The post also included the line, “It’s a tough day to feel like celebrating a birthday,” indicating her awareness of the heavy context surrounding the day.
Followers and friends responded with birthday wishes. Podcaster Jay Shetty wrote, “Happy Birthday. You deserve to be celebrated 🙏🙏🙏.” HGTV star Nate Berkus replied with four red heart emojis.
Recent Tragedies Highlighted
Alex Pretti
On January 24, DeGeneres posted a video of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by federal officers in Minneapolis. The clip featured Pretti paying tribute to one of his patients at the VA Medical Center in December 2024. DeGeneres captioned the video simply: “This is Alex Pretti.”
Renee Nicole Good
Earlier, on January 18, DeGeneres posted a lengthy video message about the fatal ICE shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7. She expressed:
> “So my thoughts and my prayers are going out to everyone, and I’m proud of everyone who’s protesting peacefully, and I am sorry for anyone who has been hurt just for protesting, for doing what you should be doing.”
The two incidents, both involving Minneapolis, have prompted DeGeneres to speak publicly about violence and the need for peaceful protest.
Context: DeGeneres’ Activism
DeGeneres has long used her platform to address social issues. She has previously spoken out about the killing of Renee Nicole Good and the death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. In 2025, she celebrated de Rossi’s birthday and described her as a “brilliant beautiful hilarious adventurous wife,” showing how personal milestones often intersect with public advocacy.
The comedian’s birthday post came after a period of heightened political activity. In the weeks leading up to her 68th birthday, she:
- Shared a video of Pretti, a nurse who had been honored for his dedication.
- Posted a message of solidarity with protesters following Good’s death.
- Expressed sorrow for the broader violence affecting Minneapolis and the country.
Portia de Rossi’s Upcoming Birthday
Portia de Rossi, 52, will celebrate her 53rd birthday on January 31. DeGeneres’s posts suggest that the couple’s birthdays are celebrated together, and the comedian has highlighted de Rossi’s role as a supportive partner.
DeGeneres in Paris
The comedian also posted a photo in Paris, France, on September 4, 2025. While the photo is unrelated to the birthday, it illustrates her continued presence in media and public life.
Key Takeaways
- DeGeneres’s birthday post is a blend of personal celebration and social commentary.
- She has used her platform to highlight the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good.
- The post underscores the difficulty of celebrating amid national unrest.
- DeGeneres’s activism demonstrates how public figures can address current events while engaging with personal milestones.
Looking Ahead
While the article focuses on DeGeneres’s birthday and recent statements, it also hints at her ongoing commitment to advocacy. Her public messages suggest that she will continue to use her platform to discuss social justice issues, especially those that intersect with her personal life and the broader community.
