Ellen: 'I Just Thought I’d Be a Closeted Gay Comedian Wearing Parachute Pants'

Ellen DeGeneres was honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. and her acceptance speech reminded us what a funny lady she is. Jane Lynch and Lily Tomlin introduced her, paying tribute to her, and then Ellen took the stage to offer thanks for the prize.

"I never could have imagined that my life would end up this way. I didn't think I'd end up having my own show, I didn't think I'd end up being in movies, I didn't think I'd have a talk show, I didn't think I'd be a Cover Girl," Ellen quipped. "I just thought that I'd be a closeted gay comedian wearing parachute pants."

The full event will air on PBS on October 30 at 8 p.m. (EST). Watch the complete acceptance speech below: