Jay Leno has given fans a rare insight into life with his wife Mavis after revealing he is her carer since her dementia diagnosis.
The 75-year-old TV star has been married to his wife, 78, since 1980, and reportedly filed for conservatorship over her last year after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
He has now shared a heartfelt look at their personal life following her diagnosis, and how he has stepped up to care for her.
Speaking on the In Depth with Graham Bensinger podcast, Leno revealed: “When you get married, you sort of take a vow: ‘Will I live up to this? Or will I be, like, a sleazy guy [where] if something happens to my wife, I’m out banging the cashier at the mini mart?’
“No, I didn’t. I enjoy the time with my wife. I go home, I cook dinner for her, watch TV, and it’s OK.”
The ‘Tonight Show’ host explained that the love he and Mavis share has never changed in the last 45 years, but he “now [he has] to feed her and do all those things.”
While he admitted being a carer is a “challenge”, Leno added: “I like it. I like taking care of her. She’s a very independent woman, so I like that I’m needed.”
He revealed that he tries “to find the humor” in situations to get through the tough times, including his own recent health battles.
Leno also revealed that his commitment to Mavis has always been strong, adding: “At some point in my life, I’m gonna be called upon to defend myself. I think that’s really what defines a marriage. I mean, that’s really what love is. That’s what you do.
“I mean, I’m glad I didn’t cut and run. I’m glad I didn’t run off with some woman half my age or any of that silly nonsense. I would rather be with her than doing something else.”
Leno revealed that he uses flashcards to try and jog Mavis’ memory about things they did together throughout their decades-long marriage, explaining: “It’s kind of fun. I go, ‘Honey, that’s President Obama. Remember we had dinner?’ [She’ll say], ‘Oh, not me.’ [And I’ll say], ‘Yeah, honey, that was you!'”
Leno filed for conservatorship for Mavis in January 2024, stating that he wanted to “execute an estate plan, including a revocable trust and will, which will provide for Mavis and Mavis’s brother and her sole living heir aside from Jay.”
Mavis’ court-appointed counsel, Ronald Ostrin’s April report gave further details on her health, revealing that she experiences “a lot of disorientation” and often ruminates “about her parents who have both passed.”
Ostrin described Mavis as “a delightful person” with “a charming personality” who still can “communicate” despite clear “cognitive impairment”.
He added: “She expressed a desire to vote and told me a little about her philanthropic work. She reposed great faith and confidence in Mr. Leno and relied on him for her protection and guidance.”
He added that it was clear the couple have a long-term, loving and supportive relationship” and the “resources” to ensure Mavis has a “safe and least restrictive environment.”
The attorney noted: “Ms. Leno seemed very happy in their cozy environment,” but revealed that she “sometimes does not know her husband … nor her date of birth.”
As well as looking after Mavis, Leno also faced his own health challenges in recent years, having sustained third-degree burns to his face, as well as breaking multiple bones in a motorcycle accident.