Ellen DeGeneres calls wife Portia de Rossi her 'rock' during workplace scandal: 'Horrible time in my life'

Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi are stronger than ever.

The talk show host, 63, has opened up about the workplace scandal that unfolded on The Ellen DeGeneres show last year and how de Rossi pulled her through.

"It broke my heart," DeGeneres told People ahead of their Love issue. "I couldn't have gone through everything I went through without her. It was a horrible time in my life, and she was a rock. She kept me going and tried to help me put things in perspective."

In 2020, DeGeneres faced many allegations about the culture on her TV show. But none of the controversies stood in the way of their relationship.

"We've grown together as a couple, and we really consider each other and put our relationship first," de Rossi said of their relationship. "By doing that, you become a lot more solid. I can't imagine spending time with anyone but her."

READ MORE: Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's complete relationship timeline

DeGeneres explained how the pair are perfectly in sync. "We think the same things, say the same things at the same time, finish each other's sandwiches — no sentences."

She added, "We're in a rhythm that's easy."

The couple tied the knot when same-sex marriage was legalised in 2008. After 12 years of marriage, DeGeneres has no trouble thinking of reasons why she loves her wife.

"I love the way she looks. I love her brain; she's smart. That's really important," DeGeneres said. "She's strong. She's confident. She's really funny. And she's a good dresser and a good dancer. She's learning to cook."