AceShowbiz - Ellen DeGeneres, 66, made the shocking announcement during her "Ellen's Last Stand...Up" comedy tour. She revealed that after her Netflix special, which is expected to premiere later this year, she will be retiring from show business.

DeGeneres spoke candidly about her exit from the spotlight during her stand-up show in Santa Rosa, California. She joked that she had been "kicked out of show business" for being mean, referring to the workplace scandal that tarnished her reputation.

"I used to say, 'I don't care what people say about me,' " DeGeneres admitted. "Now I realize I said that during the height of my popularity." She added that she is a strong and demanding woman, but she is not mean-spirited.

DeGeneres has faced controversy in recent years, including allegations of a toxic workplace environment on the set of her talk show. Despite this, she remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, known for her infectious laughter, kindness and dedication to making the world a better place.

Throughout her career, DeGeneres has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. She got her start in stand-up comedy in the 1980s and later launched her own sitcom "Ellen" in 1994. The show ran for five seasons and earned DeGeneres multiple Emmy nominations.

In 2003, she began hosting "The Ellen DeGeneres Show", which became one of the most popular talk shows on television. The show was known for its lighthearted and humorous approach and featured generous giveaways and surprise celebrity appearances.

DeGeneres has also been a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights, coming out as gay in 1997. Her courage and openness have inspired countless others to do the same.

As DeGeneres prepares to say goodbye to her career, fans and colleagues alike are expressing their gratitude for her immense contributions to the entertainment industry. While her retirement may come as a surprise, her legacy will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come.