Jay Leno’s wife, Mavis, was diagnosed with advanced dementia in April 2024. The former talk show host has since been granted conservatorship over her. Now, Leno has spoken out about what life is like today and his true feelings about taking care of his wife with dementia.
Leno and his wife, Mavis, have been married for decades. The couple met after the former Tonight Show host had performed at the legendary Comedy Store in the 1970s.
Mavis previously admitted he “wasn’t very good at dating,” and didn’t believe he would ever marry. But that all changed when she met Jay.
“I always had this idea that I would never get married,” Mavis told People Magazine in 1987. “But with Jay, I began to realize that this was the first time I was ever with someone where I had a perfect, calm sense of having arrived at my destination.”
In 1980, Jay Leno and Mavis tied the knot. The former talk show host once stated that “screwing around” is one of the main keys to a happy, lasting marriage.
“I always tell guys when they meet a woman, ‘Marry your conscience. Marry someone who’s the person you wish you could be, and it works out okay,’” he said.
Jay Leno opens up on life with wife Mavis after advanced dementia diagnosis
Sadly, in later years, Jay Leno and Mavis’ marriage has changed forever. In 2024, she was diagnosed with advanced dementia, but Leno wouldn’t give up on his wife, putting her in a home. Instead, the 75-year-old committed to taking care of her and was granted conservatorship of her.
At the time, in April last year, Mavis’s lawyer said she was “in agreement” with the conservatorship, adding that she is “receiving excellent care with her husband, Mr. Leno.”
On November 9, Jay Leno appeared at the Harley-Davidson store in Glendale, California, for the 34th annual Love Ride. Leno is the grand marshal for Love Ride, which is a charity owned by Harley-Davidson. Since its launch in 1984, it has raised over $25 million.
During the event, Jay Leno opened up about life with Mavis and her dementia.
“I’ve been very lucky in my life. My wife is fighting dementia and all that, but it’s not cancer. It’s not a tumor, so I enjoy taking care of her,” he told People Magazine. “It’s not work, because people come up, and say they feel so sorry. I understand the sympathy, because I know a lot of people are going through it, but it’s okay. I like taking care of her, I enjoy her company, and we have a good time. We have fun with it, and it is what it is.”
“I’m very lucky”
Leno admitted that it’s been “tricky,” although he feels “lucky” to be able to take care of his wife. Moreover, he expressed gratitude for being in a position to take care not only of his wife but also of her medical needs.
“I’m very lucky. I enjoy her company. As soon as this ride’s over, I’m going home and I’ll make her lunch,” Leno said.
Jay Leno is doing everything he can for his wife. Please share this article if you also think love makes the world a better place!
