DeGeneres ends show with plea for compassion

Ellen DeGeneres brought her nearly two-decade daytime talk show to an end Thursday with a celebrity lovefest and a forceful assertion of her achievement as a gay woman daring to be herself.

DeGeneres and guests Jennifer Aniston, Billie Eilish and Pink shared memories and affection as “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” concluded its DeGeneres Emmy-winning,

3,200-plus episode run that began in September 2003.

The comedian, actor and producer has said she’ll take time to consider her next career move, but first she and her wife are making a trip to Rwanda.

DeGeneres wrapped her daytime show with a plea to her audience, one she said was worth repeating.

“If I’ve done anything in the past 19 years, I hope I’ve inspired you to be yourself, your true authentic self. And if someone is brave enough to tell you who they are, be brave enough to support them, even if you don’t understand,” DeGeneres said. “By opening your heart and your mind, you’re going to be that much more compassionate, and compassion is what makes the world a better place.”