Ellen DeGeneres Shares a Rare Family Photo With Her Mom and a Simple Christmas Message
- - Ellen DeGeneres Shares a Rare Family Photo With Her Mom and a Simple Christmas Message
Mary Ellen MorinDecember 26, 2025 at 4:10 AM
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Photo by Chip Somodevilla on Getty Images
Ellen DeGeneres, offered fans a rare glimpse into her private life this holiday season. The star, who has largely kept her personal life private, shared a sentimental family photo on Instagram that fans are embracing with love. The photo also struck a nostalgic chord for many who were fans of her show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which ended in 2022.
The photo, posted on Christmas Day, shows DeGeneres alongside her mother, Betty Degeneres, as well as her brother Vance DeGeneres and sister-in-law, Joanna (Brooks) DeGeneres. The trio appears warmly gathered around Mama DeGeneres, in what appears to be a care facility. DeGeneres kept the caption simple, writing only, "Merry Christmas," to accompany the photo.
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While DeGeneres has largely stepped back from the spotlight in recent years, the image resonated with her followers and longtime fans—particularly those who remember how present her mom once was in her life and career. 95-year-old Betty DeGeneres was a familiar face to viewers and fans of The Ellen DeGeneres Show during its 19-season run. Frequently in the audience, Betty would occasionally join her famous daughter on air for lighthearted segments or special moments like this one on her 80th birthday:
In 2024, Degeneres shared that her mother was diagnosed with dementia, but little is known about the current state or progression of Betty's condition. The Christmas post aligns with DeGeneres's approach to privacy, instead highlighting their loving relationship during a special time.
Fans flooded the comments with supportive and heartfelt messages. Many reflected on their fond memories of Betty on Degeneres's show:
"The things mom did on your show to make us laugh 😂 ❤️Priceless ❤️Merry Christmas!❤️," One fan reminisced.
"Sweet mom! She was at every show!! Special relationship!!❤️," shared another.
A third echoed the sentiment, recognizing the special bond Degeneres shares with her mother: "I have fond memories of your mom and how supportive she was of you. 😍"
In 2024, DeGeneres, 67, and her wife, Portia de Rossi, relocated to the United Kingdom, where they now focus on wildlife conservation, equal rights, and a quieter life than the one the couple led in Los Angeles.
The understated Christmas post serves as a reminder of the family bonds that have long grounded DeGeneres—both on and off screen—and offers fans a moment of reflection during the holiday season.
Related: Ellen DeGeneres Reveals Adorable New Addition to Her Family
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
