LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi plan to wed, the talk show host announced during a taping of her show on Thursday, the same day California's high court struck down state laws against gay marriage.

On the show, which aired today, Degeneres stated, "For the first time, I am announcing I am getting married." As soon as she made the announcement, the audience stood up and wildy applauded Degeneres who added, "It's something that I've been wanting to do...we're very excited."

Degeneres, 50, and de Rossi, 35, have been dating for nearly four years.