"[It's] about to happen..."
In a rare and candid interview, comedian and television host Jay Leno is opening up about his marriage and the deeply personal journey of caring for his wife, Mavis Leno, following her dementia diagnosis.
After being granted conservatorship over Mavis Leno's estate in 2024, Leno shared insights into his life as her caregiver during a conversation on the "In Depth with Graham Bensinger" podcast.
As Jay Leno explained this is "first real challenge" he's faced in my life.
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He spoke honestly about the vows he made when they married, saying, “When you get married, you sort of take a vow: ‘Will I live up to this? Or will I be like a sleazy guy, and if something happens to my wife, I’m out chasing the cashier at the mini mart?’ No, I didn’t do that. I enjoy the time with my wife. I go home, cook dinner for her, watch TV — and it’s okay.”
Though Leno is now Mavis Leno’s full-time caregiver, he says their day-to-day life hasn’t changed that drastically. “It’s basically what we did before — except now I feed her and take care of those things. But I like it. I like taking care of her. She’s a very independent woman, and I like that I’m needed.”
Still, he acknowledges that the role can be challenging. “When you have to feed someone, change them, carry them to the bathroom — it’s a challenge. It’s not that I enjoy doing it, but I guess I enjoy doing it.”
Jay Leno went on to reflect on the deeper meaning of choosing to be married to someone, saying it's more than just being attracted to someone.
“At some point, you’re called upon to defend yourself, to prove what your marriage means. That’s what love is. I’m glad I didn’t cut and run, or leave for someone half my age. I’d rather be with her than anywhere else.”
And finding humor in difficult moments helps, he said, adding the they use flashcards he made to help Mavis Leno reconnect with their memories. “It’s kind of fun,” he shared. “‘Honey, that’s President Obama. Remember we had dinner?’ And she’ll say, ‘Not me.’ And I go, ‘Yeah, honey, that was you!’”
When Leno filed for conservatorship in 2024, Mavis Leno’s neurologist, Dr. Hart Cohen, supported the decision, describing Leno as “a standup guy” who “treats [Mavis] like gold,” according to People.
Shortly after the conservatorship was finalized, the couple made a public appearance at the May 2024 premiere of "Unfrosted," Jerry Seinfeld’s Netflix comedy.
“I feel great,” Mavis told Entertainment Tonight.
Jay added, “We just wanted to come to something fun for a change. Everything is so controversial these days — it’s nice to enjoy a funny, silly movie.”
Jay and Mavis Leno have been married for nearly 45 years.
