We sent our thoughts and prayers to Jay Leno and his wife ❤️

Jay Leno’s wife, Mavis, was diagnosed with advanced dementia in April 2024. The former talk show host has since been granted conservatorship over her. Now, Leno has spoken out about what life is like today and his true feelings about taking care of his wife.

**A Lifelong Love Story**

Leno and Mavis have been married for decades. The couple met after the former *Tonight Show* host performed at the legendary Comedy Store in the 1970s. In 1980, they tied the knot.

“I always had this idea that I would never get married,” Mavis told *People Magazine* in 1987. “But with Jay, I began to realize that this was the first time I was ever with someone where I had a perfect, calm sense of having arrived at my destination.”

**Facing Dementia Together**

Sadly, in later years, Jay and Mavis’ marriage has changed forever. In 2024, she was diagnosed with advanced dementia. But Leno wouldn’t give up on his wife or place her in a home. Instead, the 75-year-old committed to taking care of her and was granted conservatorship.

At the time, Mavis’s lawyer said she was “in agreement” with the conservatorship, adding that she is “receiving excellent care with her husband, Mr. Leno.”

**”I Like Taking Care of Her”**

On November 9, Jay Leno appeared at the 34th annual Love Ride charity event in Glendale, California, where he opened up about life with Mavis.

“I’ve been very lucky in my life. My wife is fighting dementia and all that, but it’s not cancer. It’s not a tumor, so I enjoy taking care of her,” he told *People Magazine*. “It’s not work, because people come up and say they feel so sorry. I understand the sympathy, but it’s okay. I like taking care of her, I enjoy her company, and we have a good time. We have fun with it, and it is what it is.”

Leno admitted it’s been “tricky,” but expressed gratitude for being able to care for his wife.

“I’m very lucky. As soon as this ride’s over, I’m going home and I’ll make her lunch,” he said.