Life and career

DeGeneres was born in Violet, Louisiana. She attended Louisiana State University for two years and married Elliott DeGeneres in 1952 (now divorced). She is now married to Roy Gruessendorf.

DeGeneres is the author of two books: Love, Ellen: A Mother Daughter Journey and Just a Mom. In Love, Ellen: A Mother Daughter Journey, Betty describes her reaction to her daughter coming out as a lesbian, and her path from passive acceptance to becoming a passionate advocate for LGBT rights. 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 appeared as an extra in the episode "The Puppy Episode" of the television sitcom Ellen, in which her daughter Ellen's character comes out. 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.

Charities

Betty DeGeneres supports the following charitable causes: Human Rights, Gay Youth, Gay Rights.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]