Ellen Welcomes Viral Bride Who Danced with Terminally Ill Father

One of the things I love about my job is being able to share moving and inspiring videos with you. The following video of a

bride

dancing with her

terminally

ill

father

was viewed more than 1 million times last week. Have a look. - (SINGING) --closes I hope one more opens. Promise me you'll give Faith a fighting chance. And when you have the choice to sit or dance, I hope you dance. I hope you dance. Well, when I learned the story behind that video, I knew I needed to meet her girlfriend and husband, Mary Bourne and James, who are in our audience.

Low. Hello Maria Bourne. Hello James. --a lot. We're... How are you? --incredibly happy. First of all, that was so beautiful. Thank you. And thank you very much for being here. And so you got married three weeks ago, right? December 29. And you posted it last week? Barely. Yeah, it's been kind of a whirlwind, but... It's been a crazy few weeks. --Yes, he hasn't been up there for long. We don't publish it. We didn't even hire a cameraman. My photographer just switched to video mode and then uploaded it, I think while we're on our honeymoon. And we come home and think, what happened?

There are 12,000 views and that's a lot of views, and we couldn't believe that everyone saw it. And then the next morning, there were 35 or so. And we told each other before we went to work, everything will probably calm down with that. And then it kept bending, bending, bending. We couldn't believe it. It's lovely. I mean, it's really beautiful. I don't know... you didn't seem to be crying. I know that you and your dad planned since you were little that you were going to dance at your wedding. Yes. And then he was diagnosed. He got sick... Yes, ma'am. --two years ago?

Yes, May 2017. And when you were going to... did you rush the wedding? You pushed him up so you could have him there. We were ready to get married, but especially with that kind of threat, we thought we shouldn't waste our time. And then for us, everyone has their own opinions, but for us we wanted to make sure that no matter what, whether it was quick, short and sweet or a beautiful wedding like we were lucky enough to have, we personally wanted to make sure that It was there. Yes. If we needed to have an impromptu wedding... if something went wrong, we were prepared.

And did you know and did he know that you were going to dance like that with him? Not precisely. My dad and I have always

danced

together. But on the wedding day after this ceremony, he went up to his hotel room because he was a little tired. And we had our first dance, he

danced

with his mom, and then the day continued. And then about an hour later they took him to the ballroom because he was ready and it was very exciting. He wasn't sure if it was going to happen. And that song is so beautiful anyway.

I mean, it must have been very emotional for you. And what was it like for you to see that? I'm very emotional all the time. And I found out during the wedding... and his

father

is a very, very emotional guy. He was trying not to hide my tears, but you know, show her that he was okay because he didn't want to start a downward spiral. Well, I did a pretty good job until the dance started, and I literally couldn't see anyone but the two of them. And it is to this day the happiest and most beautiful memory I have.

And I was crying. So if you zoom in on me in the video, I'm crying back there. Yes, really bad. What about you? Well, I told my mom I'm surprised I didn't cry because composure isn't my middle name. I'm far from that. So I guess with just the hustle and bustle of the day and my wedding planner going, it's time to cut a cake, it's time to take these photos, your dad showed up, it's time to do the dance. And I said, okay, let's do it. And I had danced a little with him, but I told him, I'll take care of it.

You don't worry about anything. Because he could still stand in August. Yeah. So that was something that you suddenly pushed, and it was really beautiful. And I know he passed away last week. And how is the family now? It has been difficult. It's been a week from today, so it's been a really crazy few weeks. But one thing we really appreciate, you and your show, is that this has given us something to laugh and smile about and keeps us worried and really happy. It has been difficult, but this part of the process has definitely made it a little easier.

Well, that's great to hear. That's... Thank you. So your mom is in the audience and I know he was a fan of the show and you were a fan. So did you all watch it together? We did it. And he gave him something to look forward to in the afternoons to make him laugh. And he was a big-hearted guy, he loved to laugh and he had a big heart. So he felt a little kindred spirit with you. You are both very positive and he always was like that. Well, I'm sure he's here with us right now with a lot of love in this room and talking about him and thinking about him, which is why today's show is dedicated to him.

Thank you so much. And after this I have a gift for you. We'll be right back. Okay, so you moved from... where you lived? We lived in my hometown, Greensburg, North Carolina. North Carolina. And then you move to Alabama to take care of your dad. Yes. We received a phone call in May 2017 informing us that a tumor had been found. The diagnosis is made until after brain surgery. Then we found out he had a tumor. I'm not sure what the prognosis was. But I looked at James and thought, I don't think he wants to come back, especially...

I went home for the surgery. To see how invasive brain surgery is. --surgery and-- Excuse me. She just said, hey, I'm staying here. And I said, hey, I'll finish the math and come right after you. So we probably moved a month or two after the surgery. Okay, so you're... We've been in Alabama, right down the street from my parents, trying to help as much as possible. Well, I'm sure your mom appreciates it. I'm sure it's a gift to have you here. And what's next for all of you? What are you doing? Big question mark. The last three weeks have been crazy.

We need to slow down and think about it. But for now we will stay in Alabama with my family. I have four brothers and tons of nieces and nephews. So we have a great community and support system. So we'll stay there... Will you buy a house there or... Will we? That's the goal. We would love to save up and start a family and buy a house in Alabama where my family is. Exc

ellen

t. Well, we have an early... well, it's not early. It is a gift for you. And I told my friends at Cheerios how much love you've brought into the world with this video, and they want to give you $25,000.

That? Oh Lord. Thank you. Oh Lord. That? Thank you. Thank you. Oh my God. I want to hear about your act of good. Go to my website. Tell me what you're doing. Hello, I'm Andy. Ellen asked me to remind you to subscribe to her channel so you can see more awesome videos, like videos of me getting scared or saying embarrassing things, like a hammer. And also some videos of Ellen and other celebrities, if you're into that kind of thing. Yeah! Ah! God !