Ellen DeGeneres is going to marry Portia de Rossi, her long-time partner. She announced her wedding plans on her show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” which was taped on May 15, the day the California Supreme Court made same sex marriage legal in California. The program aired on May 16, 2008.

UPDATE – People magazine has the exclusive photos on the Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi wedding which took place on August 16, 2008: Photos: Ellen DeGeneres Portia de Rossi Wedding People Magazine Cover

Citing the court’s ruling, DeGeneres said she and girlfriend de Rossi (“Ally McBeal,” “Nip/Tuck”) would be getting married.

De Rossi, 35, who was in the studio, and DeGeneres, 50, were applauded by audience members, the person close to the production said.

[...]

DeGeneres has boldly used TV before to make a stand for gay rights.

In 1997, she brought her character on the ABC sitcom “Ellen” out of the closet, making the show the first on prime-time network TV to have an openly gay lead. The move drew cheers from gay civil rights organizations but was condemned by some religious groups.

A month before, DeGeneres had proclaimed from the cover of Time magazine that she was a lesbian.

DeGeneres and the glamorous de Rossi have been a familiar couple at Hollywood events, including the Academy Awards. Previously, DeGeneres had a high-profile relationship with actress Anne Heche.

In a 2005 interview with Allure magazine, the comedian said she hoped she and de Rossi are “together the rest of our lives.”

“I never would have thought my life would have turned out this way,” DeGeneres told the magazine. “To have money. Or to have a gorgeous girlfriend. I just feel so lucky with everything in my life right now.”

Source: DeGeneres, de Rossi plan to marry, AP is told

Video: Ellen DeGeneres Portia De Rossi Wedding Announcement – “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” 5-16-08