Jay Leno became a household name as a comedian and late-night television host. But the role he cherishes most is being a partner, and now caretaker, to his wife Mavis.
In January 2024, the former Tonight Show host filed for conservatorship of his wife’s estate following a dementia diagnosis. Court documents filed with the petition stated that, “Mavis has been progressively losing capacity and orientation to space and time for several years.” Leno was granted conservatorship just three months later.
In a new interview with People, the funnyman shared an update on Mavis’ health, telling the outlet: “My wife’s got some problems, so it’s just her and I. But it’s always been her and I for the last 45 years anyway, so it’s fine. I enjoy taking care of her. It’s fun.”
“I mean, I do enjoy it,” Leno continued, sharing his positive outlook on Mavis’ battle. “People think, ‘Oh, it must be horrible.’ No, because she’s not in any pain. She’s not suffering. It’s not like a tumor or cancer. It’s just a confusion that comes with Alzheimer’s and dementia. And that’s okay.”
Though the 75-year-old comedian still maintains a rather busy standup schedule, he told People that he makes sure his schedule allows for him to be home with Mavis, 79, every night. “I come home every day,” he said, sharing how when he traveled to Puerto Rico for work recently, he had the plane wait for him “and I came right back. That’s what I do. I try to be home every night.”
While having millions of people watch you every night on television is a great gig for those who can get it, Leno is happy making Mavis his top priority. “I enjoy being her rock,” he said. “It makes you feel wanted. You got a purpose now. So it’s good.”
