Coupling

She made history as the first primetime star to come out on a sitcom, ABC's "These Friends of Mine," a dozen years ago.

So why shouldn't Ellen break more ground by announcing her marriage on TV today, shortly after the California Supreme Court shot down the state's ban on same-sex unions? Well, she just did. With Portia de Rossi looking on, the multiple Emmy-winner got teary describing the upcoming nuptials on her afternoon feel-good-fest. (The couple's pictured here at last year's Emmy Awards).

It's tough to believe all the controversy Ellen caused in '97 because we suspect there will be nary a peep (except from the Evangelical right) about today's development. That's what nearly five years of endearing herself daily to middle America -- complete with Hula Chair, light-as-a-feather subject matter and superstar guests -- can do.

And Justin Timberlake just offered to write an original song for the wedding. Can't everybody get excited about that?