Ex- “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno, 74, recently disclosed how humor has brought moments of joy amidst caring for his wife, Mavis, who is battling dementia. Leno shared a heartwarming story about a surprise shopping trip that added laughter to their day.
Leno spoke openly in an interview with People magazine, sharing his approach to maintaining a positive atmosphere in their day-to-day life. “You try to find the humor in this situation,” he said, referring to a recent shopping outing to cheer up his wife.
A well-known TV personality, Leno, recounted taking Mavis to Nordstrom when he saw her feeling low. She selected two pairs of sneakers she liked during their shopping trip. The simple purchase became humorous when Leno found out one pair was notably pricier than the other. “I go, no, I only had two pairs of sneakers. I thought these were $24. [The cashier] goes, Yeah, these are $24. But the other ones were [designer sneakers],” Leno clarified.
The second pair, a bejeweled version of similar sneakers, was priced at $847. Despite the substantial price gap, Leno found the situation amusing. “It’s fine. I’m glad I can afford this, and it made my wife happy. It just made me laugh,” he expressed.
In April last year, Leno was awarded conservatorship over Mavis following court documents stating she “sometimes does not know her husband, Jay, nor her date of birth.” The couple, who tied the knot in 1980, has been facing this health challenge together, preserving their strong connection.
Regardless of the challenges, the Lenos continue to appear publicly together. At the “Unfrosted” premiere in Los Angeles, California, Mavis spoke about her condition, saying, “I feel great, yeah!”
Leno became emotional while discussing their relationship on Fox News at the Feminist Majority Foundation’s 16th Annual Global Women’s Rights Awards & Gala.
During the event, Leno took to the stage and described his decision to marry Mavis as “the smartest thing I’ve ever done.”
The conservatorship was put in place to safeguard both Leno and his wife, as they have no children. The court deemed this the “least restrictive alternative” to ensure Mavis’s well-being, especially concerning managing their joint property and assets held in a trust.
In addition to managing his wife’s health, Leno has also tackled his physical hurdles. In November 2024, he had a severe fall down a 60-foot hill, which resulted in visible injuries, including a large bruise on the left side of his face, a black eye, and a broken wrist.
Earlier in January 2023, Leno was in a serious motorcycle accident, sustaining a broken collarbone and two broken ribs after being “clotheslined.”
These incidents followed another significant accident that left Leno with severe burns. While working on a vintage car in his garage, a steam engine exploded in his face. The explosion happened while he was under a 1907 White Steam Car, attempting to unclog a fuel line. The accident resulted in second-degree burns on his face, chest, and hands. He spent nine days at the Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles, California, receiving treatment for his injuries.
Despite these physical setbacks, Leno has preserved his resilience and sense of humor. He continues to make public appearances and pursue his passion for vintage cars while focusing on caring for Mavis. Recently, he was seen fully recovered from his fall, with no visible bruising, as he continues to balance his professional obligations with his role as Mavis’s primary caregiver.