Tayt Andersen, who captured hearts worldwide after appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, has passed away at 19 after a long battle with cancer and a severe congenital heart condition. His family confirmed his death on September 26, 2025.
Born with only the right side of his heart, Tayt endured extraordinary medical struggles. By age nine, he had undergone 12 surgeries, and at ten, he received a heart transplant that gave him renewed hope. However, it also led to post-transplant lymphoma, followed years later by bladder cancer that spread throughout his body. Despite these hardships, Tayt’s spirit never wavered.
Doctors initially predicted he would not survive beyond three months, yet Tayt lived nearly two decades filled with laughter, courage, and love. His family wrote: “While our souls feel shattered by this unimaginable grief, we are thankful that Tayt is finally free—no more pain, no more treatments.”
From Ellen’s playful “boyfriend” to a global symbol of resilience, Tayt’s smile, strength, and motto—“just keep swimming”—will continue inspiring families everywhere. His life defied odds and reminded the world of the power of hope.
