DeGeneres was taping the episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Thursday, the day the state's high court struck down California laws against gay marriage, and it was to air Friday, a person close to the production told The Associated Press.

The person, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, spoke to AP on the condition of anonymity.

Citing the court's ruling, DeGeneres said she and girlfriend de Rossi 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.

Ellen said the following about the historic ruling Thursday:
"I’m thrilled that the California supreme court overturned the ban on gay marriage. I can’t wait to get married. We all deserve the same rights, and I believe that someday we’ll look back on this and not allowing gays to marry will seem as absurd as not allowing women to vote.

P.S. I’m registered at Crate & Barrel."

Update: Ellen did indeed anounce on her show Friday that she and Portia are getting married. Se said: "Yesterday, the California Supreme Court overturned the ban on gay marriage. So I would like to say right now, for the first time, I am announcing that I am getting married...I'm so excited. It’s something that we’ve, of course, wanted to do, and we’ve wanted to be legal, and we’re very very excited."

Last update: 01-31-2009 19:59