Ellen DeGeneres wipes away tears as she's honoured by President Barack Obama with Bruce Springsteen and stars

Ellen DeGeneres couldn't hold back the tears as she was honoured by US President Barack Obama at the White House on Tuesday.

The chat show host joined a star-studded guest list in Washington, where they were presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Finding Nemo star Ellen, 58, got choked up as it was her turn to be presented with the medal as the announcer read out her list of achievements.

“In a career spanning three decades, Ellen DeGeneres has lifted our spirits and brought joy to our lives as a standup comic, actor and television star,” the announcer said while Ellen stood next to Obama

“In every role, she reminds us to be kind to one another and to treat people as each of us wants to be treated. At a pivotal moment, her courage and candor helped change the hearts and minds of millions of Americans, accelerating our nation’s constant drive towards equality and acceptance for all. Again and again, Ellen DeGeneres has shown us that a single individual can make the world a more fun, more open, more loving place so long as we just keep swimming.”

Obama got a little choked up when recalling how Ellen came out as gay in an episode of her show in 1997. Read more