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Despite the hurdles they face, Jay Leno shared that his wife Mavis, who is 79, still knows who he is and continues to express her love for him.
NEW YORK — In a heartfelt interview on NBC’s “Today” show, former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno opened up about the emotional journey of caring for his wife, Mavis, who is battling advanced dementia. The interview, which aired on Thursday, revealed the poignant struggles Leno faces, particularly watching Mavis repeatedly experience the pain of her mother’s death.
Leno, who is 75, described the heartbreaking scenario where Mavis relives the news of her mother’s passing every day for several years. He called this experience “really tricky,” as it involves her going through the initial shock and grief repeatedly.
“Her mother died every day for, like, three years,” Leno explained to host Hoda Kotb. “And not just crying, I mean, you’re learning for the first time.”
Despite these significant challenges, Leno noted that Mavis still recognizes him. He mentioned the possibility that she might eventually forget, but added, “She seems extremely comfortable now. And she seems happy, and she seems contented.”
The comedian, who married Mavis in 1980, was granted conservatorship of his wife in April 2024 after filing in January of that year following her diagnosis.
Leno described how conversations have changed, with Mavis pointing to things and saying things that don’t make sense. He said he focuses on reassuring her that everything is OK. The couple no longer goes to restaurants, though they take drives together with assistance, and Mavis can no longer travel, something she previously loved. Instead, they watch travel content and animal shows on YouTube.
The former late-night host said he tries to keep things light, calling their trips to the bathroom “Jay and Mavis at the prom” and saying his wife finds the joke funny.
Leno reflected on marriage vows, saying most people never think they’ll be called upon to honor the “for better or worse” commitment. “But even the worse is not that bad,” he said.
When asked how Mavis shows her love, Leno said she tells him and smiles at him. “And when she looks at me and smiles and says she loves me, I melt,” he said.
Mavis Leno was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for her advocacy work supporting women in Afghanistan under the Taliban.
Before her diagnosis, Leno said he would come home after “The Tonight Show,” cook dinner for Mavis and watch television together. “The only difference is now you just can’t really talk about a lot of things,” he said.