Education
She attended Louisiana State University for two years and married Elliott DeGeneres in 1952 (now divorced).
She attended Louisiana State University for two years and married Elliott DeGeneres in 1952 (now divorced).
DeGeneres was born in Violet, Louisiana. She is now married to Roy Gruessendorf. DeGeneres is the author of two books: Love, Ellen: A Mother Daughter Journey and Just a Mom.
She also describes the media scrutiny she received after Ellen came out.
Her second book, Just a Mom, continues these themes. She also wrote a column for the (now defunct) website PlanetOut called "Ask Betty."
DeGeneres appears in many episodes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, sitting in the audience.
DeGeneres is a breast cancer survivor and discusses this during public appearances.
She is the mother of Ellen and Vance DeGeneres and the first straight spokeswoman for the Human Rights Campaign"s National Coming Out Project and an active member of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).