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The scene was reminiscent of days gone by.
Chevy Chase and his wife, Jayni Chase, showcased their enduring affection at the 40th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival on Thursday evening. The couple was seen sharing a tender moment, which captured the attention of onlookers.
Chevy, dressed in a casual yet stylish ensemble of a pink button-down shirt, jeans, a gray blazer, and a hat, gently cradled Jayni’s face as he gave her a loving kiss. In return, Jayni, who looked elegant in a Lily Pulitzer dress paired with a white shawl and matching sandals, leaned in toward her husband, placing her hand affectionately on his arm.
The event was part of a special screening for the documentary “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” held at the Savor Cinema. Chevy, now 82, and Jayni, 68, appeared delighted to be celebrating together, highlighting their longstanding bond in a heartwarming display of unity.
Chevy, 82, and Jayni, 68, were attending a screening of the “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not” documentary at Savor Cinema.
The comedian — who has been married to his wife since 1982 — arrived on the red carpet in a wheelchair, but ditched the assist once he was inside.
Chevy’s manager explained to the Daily Mail back in December 2023 that the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” star only uses a wheelchair when he has to travel frequently.
In the documentary, which first aired Jan. 1 on CNN, Chevy and his loved ones opened up about his 2021 stay in the hospital after a heart issue.
“Something was wrong, and he couldn’t explain to me what was wrong. So, we go to the ER. His heart stops,” explained Jayni, who shares daughters Cydney, Caley and Emily with Chevy.
“During those years, he was drinking, he got cardiomyopathy. When the heart muscles get weaker, they can’t pump as much blood out with each beat.”
Peter Aaron, one of Chevy’s longtime pals, also revealed in the doc that doctors decided to put the actor “into a coma for maybe eight days.”
After the incident, the “SNL” alum — who confirmed he’s “fine now” — spent five weeks in the hospital.
“These are my first few days home. I can only say how happy I am to now be back with my family. I’m feeling good,” Chevy told Page Six at the time, noting that it was a heart issue.
“So, for now, I’m around the house. Not going anywhere. I used to go out and do anything. I’d do slapstick in front of 3,000 people. But at this moment I have no need to go out and meet COVID.”
That wasn’t the first time Chevy’s health made headlines, however.
Back in 2018, the Washington Post revealed that Chevy had been diagnosed with alcohol cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes weakening of the heart muscle due to excessive drinking.
The outlet reported that the actor had gotten sober “18 months” prior to publication time, after walking out on the porch, taking “a final swig from his vodka bottle” and deciding to quit.
Chevy’s past struggles are addressed in “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” available to stream now on HBO and all CNN streaming services.