Ellen DeGeneres [1] and Portia de Rossi [2] clearly know the secret to a long-lasting relationship. With more than 10 years together, the pair have a collection of sweet moments [3] under their belt, including their adorable red carpet appearances [4] and romantic getaways [5]. While the couple tied the knot in August 2008 [6], Portia admits that she knew Ellen was the one [7] "when I first laid eyes on her, but it took me three years to actually tell her how I felt about her." Even so, the television host has said [8] that she plans on being with Portia "until the day I die." Read through for a look at the sweetest things Ellen and Portia have said about each other.
Portia on Ellen
- On how she met Ellen [9]: "We actually met socially and I just felt that immediate draw. We did talk a little bit and then over those three years, we saw each other at parties or at various things, but the one time that was the most significant was during a photo shoot actually. I just walked over to say 'Hello' to her and I couldn't believe it, but she turned around and it was like an arrow was shot through my heart. I felt weak at the knees and I was overwhelmed with how I felt, but then it took me about 10 months to get the courage up to actually do anything about it."
- On how she knew Ellen was the one [10]: "When I first laid eyes on her, but it took me three years to actually tell her how I felt about her because I was on Ally McBeal at the time and I was not living as an openly gay person."
- On their secret to a successful marriage [11]: "We're just really good friends and we talk about everything and we never, ever, lie to each other, like not even the tiniest lies and she's the only person I want to hang out with. She is my best friend and I just want to be with her all the time."
- On where they shared their first kiss [12]: "Back of a limo."
- On how she's changed since meeting Ellen [13]: "I've changed so much as a person since I've met Ellen. I used to think that the way to be strong was to be tough. I used to think that to be independent was to not need anyone, but she's taught me that the more vulnerable you are and the softer you are, and the more you allow people into your life and into your heart, the happier you are and the more valuable you are to other people. Ellen has completely changed the way I look at life."
- On their proposal [14]: "Ellen was going to surprise me with a commitment ceremony at a joint birthday party that we were going to have, so we made the date of August the 16th and during that time, gay marriage became legal in California so we were about to have this ceremony and then, all of a sudden, it was like a gift that it was then legal."
Ellen on Portia
- On why she takes pictures of Portia all the time [15]: "I take pictures of Portia all the time because she's pretty."
- On those pesky breakup rumors [16]: "I don't know why they do this. We're kind of flattered. We really don't almost break up, we don't fight, we're madly in love, and I guess it's boring."
- On why they don't give each other birthday or holiday gifts [17]: "We do so many presents all the time. We don't even give each other presents for Christmas or birthdays anymore. We have everything. Love and respect, that is all we need."
- On when she first met Portia [18]: "When I first met her she was 168 pounds and I didn't see anything except a brilliant, amazing person."
- On why their relationship works [19]: "We don't really need to make it work. We just found the right person. It's corny, but she's my soul mate. She's my everything to me and I don't know what I'd do without her."
- On their marriage [20]: "I'm going to be with her until the day I die and I know that."