Comedy fans and Ellen DeGeneres supporters in the Windy City are facing a mix of anticipation and disappointment as the beloved stand-up comedian and host prepares to take the stage at the Chicago Theatre this Saturday, August 10. However, Ellen made a surprise move to abruptly cancel her following show on August 11, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. This cancellation comes with an unequivocal statement that she's "done" with show business.

For those fortunate enough to snag tickets to what may be Ellen’s last hurrah on stage, there's a strict rule they'll need to obey — absolutely no phones permitted. According to NBC Chicago, the no-phone mandate was emphasized with a Ticketmaster alert stating, "No cellphones, cameras, laptops or recording devices will be allowed." Fans will need to have to securely lock their devices in special pouches, and "Anyone caught with a cellphone in the venue will be immediately ejected."

Ellen's departure from the stage caps a long and roller-coaster tenure in the public eye, most recently marred by allegations regarding an unhealthy and toxic environment on her long-running talk show that ended in 2022. In the face of such allegations, DeGeneres has maintained her innocence, stating during her Santa Rosa show, "I am many things, but I am not mean," as stated by NBC Chicago. The comedian seems to be looking forward to a more private life, with hints of simplifying her day-to-day, having said at the same event, "Thank you for still caring!"