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Jay Leno Shares Insight Into His Caretaker Role for Wife Mavis Amid Her Dementia Diagnosis
Jay Leno revealed what his role as a caretaker looks like as he helps his wife, Mavis Leno, amid her battle with dementia.
While speaking to People in an interview published on Monday, November 10, Jay, 75, opened up about taking care of Mavis, 79, after she was diagnosed with advanced dementia in April 2024.
“I’ve been very lucky in my life. My wife is fighting dementia and all that, but it’s not cancer,” Jay said. “It’s not a tumor, so I enjoy taking care of her.”
The former Tonight Show host then addressed a common misconception that taking care of a sick loved one is like a second job. “It’s not work, because people come up, and say they feel so sorry,” he said. “I understand the sympathy, because I know a lot of people are going through it, but it’s OK.”
“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 added.
Jay then said that there “are going to be a couple of years that are tricky” in any marriage, though he said the “first 46” years of their relationship have been “really great.”
“But it’s OK. 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 continued.
Jay continued the interview by looking at the bright side of the situation, saying he’s grateful he can afford to make sure Mavis is getting the best care possible. “I’m very lucky,” he said. “I enjoy her company. As soon as this ride’s over, I’m going home and I’ll make her lunch.”
Dementia “results in the loss or deterioration of cognitive functions such as memory, thinking and decision making,” according to Medical News Today. “Advanced or severe dementia is a later stage that results in greater impairment of physical and cognitive functions.”
The source added that advanced dementia “is a severe form of dementia that typically occurs during the later stages of dementia. In addition to the loss of cognitive function, an individual with advanced dementia may experience symptoms that affect other parts of the body.”
After Mavis’ diagnosis was publicly revealed, it was announced that Jay had been granted conservatorship of his wife. At the time, Mavis’ lawyer said she was “in agreement” with the conservatorship and insisted she was “receiving excellent care with her husband,” Mr. Leno, according to People.
The judge who signed off on the conservatorship added, “I think she’s in the least restrictive environment. I think she’s in very good care with Mr. Leno.”
“Everything you’re doing is right,” the judge told Jay, per the outlet. “I totally understand this is a difficult period.”
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