Jay Leno Speaks Out About Caring for Wife Mavis Amid Dementia Battle

Jay Leno has opened up about the unexpected reactions he has received while caring for his wife, Mavis Leno, who is living with advanced dementia.

Speaking on Life Above the Noise With Maria Shriver, the former Tonight Show host shared that some people have asked him shockingly personal questions about his marriage. One moment in particular stood out to him.

Leno recalled that someone asked whether he planned to get a girlfriend now that his wife is ill. He said the question stunned him. Leno responded that he already has a girlfriend—his wife—and that they have been married for 45 years.

The comedian made it clear that he has no interest in seeing anyone else. He said that marriage is about commitment, especially during difficult times. According to Leno, people seem surprised when someone actually lives up to their wedding vows.

“You’re just doing the right thing because you’re supposed to,” he said, adding that staying faithful used to be normal, while straying was considered unacceptable. He believes that expectation has flipped in modern society.

Despite the challenges of being a caregiver, Leno said he feels grateful that this is the hardest test he has faced in life. He described his earlier years as “easy sailing” and said this chapter is simply more difficult, but meaningful.

One thing that continues to bring him joy is making Mavis laugh. Leno shared a recent moment where she told him she loved him late at night. He jokingly replied that she must be having a nightmare and should go back to sleep. Mavis found the comment hilarious, and her laughter meant everything to him.

Leno said moments like that keep him going. Getting a laugh out of her, he explained, is still one of his main goals each day.

The couple married in 1980. In January 2024, Leno filed to establish a conservatorship over Mavis’ assets, which was officially approved in April.

Alongside the lighter moments, there have been deeply painful ones. In a November interview with Today, Leno shared that Mavis repeatedly relived the loss of her mother. Each morning, she would wake up and learn—again—that her mother had died, experiencing the grief as if it were new every time.

“That was really tricky,” Leno said. “That makes it hard.”

Still, he remains devoted to caring for his wife, saying they are facing this chapter together, just as they promised when they got married.