Former Tonight Show host Jay Leno spoke lovingly of his wife of 45 years as he continues to care for her amid her going battle with ‘advanced’ dementia, which she was diagnosed with last year
Comedian and television host Jay Leno opened up about caring for his wife during her dementia struggle(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Jay Leno shared a beautiful sentiment as he opened up about caring for his wife Mavis after she was diagnosed with “advanced” dementia.
At the 34th Annual Love Ride on Sunday, November 9, at the Harley-Davidson of Glendale in California, the 75-year-old gave an update on his wife after she was diagnosed with dementia in Jan. of 2024. After being married for over 45 years, the television personality has stood by his promise to be there for her in sickness and in health, as he said that he feels “lucky” to care for her.
Jay, who previously condemned the political killing of Charlie Kirk, spoke very highly of his wife as he spoke of her struggle with dementia. He told People, “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.”
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The New-York native continued, “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.”
Jay went on to share an optimistic outlook on his marriage and expressed immense gratitude for the decades of good health he has shared with his other half.
Jay’s wife was diagnosed with dementia in January of 2024 (Image: Getty Images)
The former Tonight Show host said, “There are going to be a couple of years that are tricky. So, the first 46, really great. But it’s okay. It’s not terrible. I’m not a woe-is-me person. I’m just lucky that I am able to take care of her.”
He went on to describe himself as “very lucky” to be able to afford to pay for her care as she battles the incurable illness. Before heading off to grand marshal the motorcycle charity event, he added, “As soon as this ride’s over, I’m going home and I’ll make her lunch.”
The comedian previously shared that even when he’s jetting off for work, he always makes sure he’s home at night to see his wife, whom he has a conservatorship over.
The couple have been married for over 45 years (Image: Getty Images for Meyers Manx)
Jay said that he makes sure he’s home to care for his wife every night (Image: Getty Images)
He explained, “I come home every day. I went to Puerto Rico for the day and [the] plane waited and I came right back. That’s what I do. I try to be home every night. So that’s kind [of] what I do.”
Jay and his wife first met back in the ’70s after he performed a show at the Comedy Store. Leno was 26 years old at the time, and admitted that he was unsure if he would ever get married until he met Mavis. The pair later exchanged vows in 1986 during a private ceremony held in Rhode Island.
Outside of caring for his wife, Jay is also hosting his automotive show, Jay Leno’s Garage. The reality show has been airing for 8 seasons and follows Jay’s journey through America as he searches for unique rides and tells the fascinating stories behind them.
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