For many Australians, Jay Leno is a familiar face – the American comedian and TV host whose easy charm and quick wit made The Tonight Show a nightly staple for decades. Born in 1950 in New Rochelle, New York, Leno worked his way from stand-up comedy clubs to global fame, hosting The Tonight Show from 1992 until 2014 and later running the popular Jay Leno’s Garage.
But these days, Leno is embracing a different – and far more personal – role. At age 75, he finds himself caring full-time for his wife of more than 45 years, Mavis Leno, who was diagnosed with advanced dementia in early 2024. A judge subsequently granted him conservatorship over her estate and care.
“I Enjoy Taking Care of Her”
In interviews over the past few months, Leno has spoken with disarming honesty about his wife’s illness – and his determination to be by her side. “I’ve been very lucky in my life,” he recently told People. “My wife is fighting dementia … but it’s not cancer. It’s not a tumour. So I enjoy taking care of her.”
He rejects pity. Instead, he describes their relationship now as simply another chapter in the long marriage they built. “It’s not work … People come up and say they feel so sorry,” he explained. “I like taking care of her. I enjoy her company, and we have a good time. We have fun with it.”
Small Moments, Deep Compassion
Leno admits there are heartbreaking parts to dementia: the memories Mavis relives. In a recent emotional interview on the “Today” show, he revealed that for three years she would wake up believing she’d just heard the news of her mother’s death – a grief she felt anew every morning.
Still, Leno finds ways to bring warmth and comfort. He drives her for outings, plays memories from their past, and cherishes the moments when she smiles and says she loves him. “When she looks at me and smiles and says she loves me, I melt,” he shared.
As a former late-night star, Leno once made millions laugh. Now, he’s using those same gentle instincts of timing and care to give dignity, love, and security to the woman he vowed to cherish decades ago.
Why his story resonates
Love, loyalty and ageing together – Many older couples will recognise the vow to stay together “in sickness and in health.” Leno’s example shows that commitment doesn’t expire with time.
Caregiving without stigma – Dementia is a growing challenge worldwide. Seeing a public figure meet it head-on, with compassion rather than shame, helps normalise caring at home.
Hope and humanity in hardship – Even amid memory loss and confusion, love finds a way. That message can comfort families navigating similar journeys.
A timely reminder of what matters – Fame, fortune and glamour fade. What lasts is kindness, presence and the simple promise to be there.
For “Starts at 60” readers, many of whom may have lived experience with ageing, illness or caring, Jay and Mavis Leno’s story is more than celebrity news – it’s a powerful example of enduring love, everyday courage and dignity in the face of life’s hardest challenges.