Jay Leno says he enjoys being wife Mavis Leno's caretaker after dementia diagnosis
In a rare interview about his marriage, comedian and TV host Jay Leno is opening up in a big way.
After being granted conservatorship over his wife's estate in 2024, Leno is sharing insight about being Mavis Leno's caretaker after she was diagnosed with dementia.
During a conversation with the 'In Depth with Graham Bensigner' podcast, Jay Leno shared that this experience with his wife is the first big challenge he's faced in his life.
'When you get married, you sort of take a vow: 'Will I live up to this? Or will I be like a sleazy guy if something happens to my wife...?'' he explained.
'I enjoy the time with my wife. I go home, I cook dinner for her, watch TV and it's okay,' Jay Leno continued.
And although he is now considered Mavis Leno's caretaker, the car enthusiast says not much has changed in how he and his wife live their lives.
'It's basically what we did before,' Jay Leno continued, 'except now I have to feed her and do all those things. But, I like it. I like taking care of her. She's a very independent woman, so I like that I'm needed.'
But that doesn't mean it hasn't been a complicated journey for the both of them.
'When you have to feed someone and change them and carry them to the bathroom and do all that kind of stuff every day,' he explained. 'It's a challenge. And it's not that I enjoy doing it, but I guess I enjoy doing it.'
Jay Leno continued adding that marriage is more than just being attracted to your partner.
'At some point in my life, I'm gonna be called upon to defend myself. I think that's really what defines a marriage,' he explained. 'I mean, that's really what love is. That's what you do. I mean, I'm glad I didn't cut and run. I'm glad I didn't run off with some woman half my age or any of that silly nonsense. I would rather be with her than doing something else.'
And when the going does get tough, Jay Leno says it is important that he 'find the humor' in the situation. That includes recalling memories from their past via flashcards he created for Mavis Leno.
'It's kind of fun,' he said of the flashcards. 'I go, 'Honey, that's President Obama. Remember we had dinner?' [She'll say], 'Oh, not me.' [And I'll say], 'Yeah, honey, that was you!''
After filing for conservatorship over his wife in 2024, Mavis Leno's neurologist, Dr. Hart Cohen, confirmed for the courts that Jay Leno is the 'standup guy' he hopes to be, adding that he is 'such a nice man and treats [Mavis] like gold,' People reported.
Shortly after being awarded conservatorship, the Leno made a public appearance on the red carpet celebrating Jerry Seinfeld's new Netflix movie 'Unfrosted,' in May 2024.
Mavis spoke with Entertainment Tonight, saying, 'I feel great.'
'We wanted to come to something fun for a change,' Jay added. 'Everything is so controversial. Just to come to a funny, silly movie — it's great. I think people are going to have a great time.'
Jay and Mavis Leno have been married for nearly 45 years.
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