Ellen DeGeneres, a trailblazing queer pioneer and renowned comedian, recently announced her retirement from a decades-long comedy career after her upcoming Netflix special. Known for her groundbreaking role in fostering LGBTQ+ acceptance in America, DeGeneres has faced a mixed legacy in light of allegations of fostering a hostile work environment on her long-running talk show. Despite controversies, the 33-time Daytime Emmy winner remains unapologetic, joking about being "kicked out of show business for being mean" at a recent stand-up show. DeGeneres, 66, currently on a national tour titled “Ellen's Last Stand... Up,” has remained relatively low-profile in recent years. Her retirement marks the end of an era for a comedian who has left an undeniable mark on both the entertainment industry and LGBTQ+ representation. Her Netflix special, set to release later this year, will serve as a fitting final bow for a comedy career that has been both influential and controversial.