Jay Leno has opened up about one of the most heartbreaking challenges he faces as he cares for his wife of nearly 45 years, Mavis Leno, who has dementia.
Jay Leno (Credit: Riccardo S. Savi/Getty Images for Children’s Oncology Support Fund)
The longtime comedian shared on the TODAY show (Nov. 20) a painful memory that his wife relived repeatedly during the progression of her illness. Leno explained that one of the most difficult parts of being Mavis’ caregiver came from the way her mind cycled through traumatic news as if it were new each day.
“Probably the toughest part was every day she’d wake up and realize someone had called today to tell her her mother had passed away,” the former “Tonight Show” host recalled. “And her mother died every day for, like, three years.”
He described how harrowing it was to watch Mavis re-experience that loss, noting that her emotional reaction was as raw as the first time she received the news. “Not just crying, I mean, you’re learning for the first time. And that was really tricky,” he explained.
(L-R) Mavis Leno and Jay Leno{ } (Credit: Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
Throughout her decline, Leno has taken on the role of providing steady reassurance and comfort, especially during moments of confusion or fear.
“She wants to be reassured that everything’s okay,” he said. “Now she really needs me, and I like that. And I can tell she appreciates it. The idea that you get married, you take these vows, nobody ever thinks they’ll be called upon to act on them. You know that part – for better or worse. Even the worst isn’t that bad.”
(L-R) Mavis Leno and Jay Leno attend the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s “UNFROSTED” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on April 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Mavis’ dementia diagnosis was revealed in January 2024 after Leno filed for conservatorship of her estate. Despite the challenges, Leno remains devoted.
“When she looks at me and smiles and says she loves me, I melt,” he said.
He continued with a positive update, adding, “She’s not forgetting me. That hasn’t happened yet. She seems extremely comfortable now. And she seems happy I enjoy taking care of her.”