Legendary comedian and former Tonight Show host Jay Leno has opened up about the public's surprising reaction to his steadfast support for his wife, Mavis, following her devastating dementia diagnosis.
A Vow to Honour
Speaking on Maria Shriver's Life Above the Noise podcast, the 75-year-old reflected on his 45-year marriage. Leno expressed bewilderment that people are 'shocked' and 'stunned' he is living up to the vows he took when he married Mavis in 1980. He stated plainly that he is merely doing what he believes is right.
'I've said this a bunch of times, you take a vow when you get married and people are stunned... they're so shocked that you would live up to it,' Leno told Shriver. 'You're just doing the right thing because you’re supposed to.'
The Crass Question and Changing Times
Leno revealed the depth of some people's cynicism, recounting a particularly insensitive encounter. After Mavis, 79, was diagnosed with advanced dementia in early 2024, someone asked him if he was 'gonna get a girlfriend now.'
'My favorite thing was — this is the most Hollywood thing. A guy said to me, "So, are you gonna get a girlfriend now?"' Leno recalled. His firm reply was, 'Well no, I have a girlfriend. I'm married. Married 45 years.'
He lamented how societal norms have shifted, noting, 'That used to be the norm, and then when you strayed that was the out of whack part. Now the out of whack part is fairly common, and staying and doing what you’re supposed to do is stunning to people.'
Finding Joy in Caregiving
Despite the challenges, Leno finds profound purpose in caring for his wife. He shared that making Mavis laugh remains 'one of my primary things.' He recounted a tender, funny moment where she told him she loved him in the middle of the night, and he joked, 'You're having a nightmare, go back to bed,' which sent her into fits of laughter.
'To me, that's what's fun. "Oh, I got a laugh out of her,"' he said. Leno considers himself fortunate, acknowledging that while his wife's condition is the most difficult thing he's faced, he is in a privileged position. 'I can afford to have somebody with Mavis when I'm not there,' he said, expressing sympathy for those who must juggle caregiving with demanding jobs.
The legal steps taken reflect the seriousness of Mavis's condition. In January 2024, following her diagnosis, Leno filed for conservatorship, which was granted in April. Court documents revealed she 'sometimes does not' recognise him. Her lawyer confirmed she is 'in agreement' with the arrangement and receiving 'excellent care' with her husband.
Leno's commitment is absolute. He has previously stated that even when travelling for work, he returns home every night to be with her. In November 2024, he told People magazine, 'It's not work' to care for his spouse and that he is 'lucky' to do so, simply stating, 'I enjoy taking care of her.'
