Tayt, who was born with only half a heart, passed away early Friday morning at the age of 19. His family confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement, saying he was “released from his bodily prison” at 1:30 a.m. CT, surrounded by family who loved him deeply.

Ellen took to Instagram to express her pain, sharing a short video where she reflected on her bond with Tayt and sent love to his mother, Chrissy Becker.

Fans of The Ellen DeGeneres Show will remember Tayt as the lively little boy who once called Ellen his “girlfriend,” a playful moment that became a running joke on the show. Ellen would call him her “boyfriend” in return, often teasing that her wife, Portia de Rossi, was a little jealous.

In the video tribute, Ellen shared clips from Tayt’s past appearances, showing his inspiring fight with congenital heart disease and the deep connection he shared with her and his mother. Ellen described him as a boy who brought light, laughter, and joy everywhere he went, adding that he will be missed dearly.

Tayt’s family revealed that he had taken a turn for the worse last weekend. In their emotional statement, they explained that Thursday was spent calling friends and loved ones so they could say goodbye before spending the evening watching his favorite movies and reading his favorite books.

Tayt became a symbol of strength and positivity for many viewers during his appearances on Ellen’s show, inspiring fans across the world with his resilience and bright personality.