• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

Ellen DeGeneres is throwing a prom on Instagram for students unable to celebrate theirs due to COVID-19

3:37
Carole King updates classic song ‘So Far Away’
Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images, FILE
ByMegan Stone
April 01, 2020, 4:26 PM

Schools across America had to make the difficult decision to cancel important school dances and graduations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As expected, teenagers took to social media and lamented that they were robbed of experiencing some of high school's most memorable moments.

While most understood why such a call had to be made, they still found it a bitter pill to swallow. With so many canceled proms supposed to take place this weekend, Ellen DeGeneres reached out to high schoolers and encouraged them to get dressed up and celebrate the milestone with her.

Related Articles

MORE: California teen organizes #TikTokProm after hers gets canceled over <a href="https://abcnews.com/alerts/coronavirus" id="_ap_link_coronavirus_Coronavirus_" target="_blank">coronavirus</a>

VIDEO: This teen celebrated her high school prom at home on TikTok
0:46
When Natalie Reese's prom was canceled, she came up with a virtual dance instead.

Posting a throwback photo of her own prom, the talk show host on Tuesday wrote in the caption, "If your prom was supposed to be this weekend, I wanna see your gorgeous prom outfits. This was mine, so the bar is low."

DeGeneres' high school prom look was certainly eye-catching. She wore to her big dance a red, yellow and navy button-down plaid dress with an oversized white lapel and belt.

Editor’s Picks

Helen Mirren goes makeup-free to encourage charity donations

  • Apr 01, 2020

Jennifer Garner, other celebs read to kids affected by school closures for a cause

  • Apr 01, 2020

Teen organizes #TikTokProm after hers gets canceled over coronavirus

  • Mar 26, 2020

It was possible at the time that her look was very in vogue, but the comic was quick to deflect the attention back to her fans by encouraging everyone to post their prom looks using the #ellenprom hashtag.

"I promise you’ll wear them to prom soon," DeGeneres said.

Related Articles

MORE: Jennifer Garner, other stars are reading to kids affected by school closures for a cause

While some younger followers eagerly showed off the dresses, older fans were just as thrilled to have a reason to share their throwback prom photos. So, if you want to share your prom look, take this as your official invitation to the Ellen prom.

Related Topics

  • Coronavirus

Editor’s Picks

Helen Mirren goes makeup-free to encourage charity donations

  • Apr 01, 2020

Jennifer Garner, other celebs read to kids affected by school closures for a cause

  • Apr 01, 2020

Teen organizes #TikTokProm after hers gets canceled over coronavirus

  • Mar 26, 2020

Up Next in Culture—

Myki Meeks wins 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' season 18

April 18, 2026

Sabrina Carpenter brings out Madonna for surprise Coachella weekend 2 performance

April 18, 2026

Mark Wahlberg teaming up with Elaine LaLanne for new documentary

April 17, 2026

Natalie Portman pregnant, expecting baby no. 3 at 44

April 17, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News