Jay Leno Comforts Dementia-Stricken Wife on Rare Day Out: ‘I Enjoy Taking Care of Her’

Jay Leno Chants Supporting His Wife as She Battles Dementia: A Rare Public Outing

In a heartfelt display of devotion, Jay Leno was spotted comforting his wife Mavis during a rare day out amid her ongoing struggle with dementia. The couple, who have been married for an impressive 44 years, were seen hand in hand leaving a comedy show in Los Angeles, offering a rare glimpse into their lives during a challenging time.

The former late-night host, now 74, donned a navy suit paired with a classic white button-down, while Mavis, aged 77, sported a charming floral blouse with black trousers and blue sneakers. Jay tightly grasped her hand as they exited the event, highlighting the bond they share, even in the face of adversity.

This touching outing comes on the heels of a particularly tough period for the couple, marked by a series of health challenges. Mavis has been diagnosed with advanced dementia, and Jay has faced his own health issues, notably being seriously injured in a garage fire that occurred in November 2022.

In a significant turn of events in their personal life, Jay filed for conservatorship of Mavis, stating she has been “progressively losing capacity and orientation” over the years. The court upheld his request in April, after a court-appointed attorney noted that Mavis sometimes does not recognize Jay or even know her own birthday. Since the conservatorship was established, public sightings of the couple have become increasingly infrequent.

Jay first revealed Mavis’ diagnosis in his court filings, and their last public appearance raised concerns about her well-being, particularly when she was seen with a black eye during a previous outing in July. In an emotional moment at the Feminist Majority Foundation’s Annual Global Women’s Rights Awards Gala, Jay spoke openly about the depth of his love for his wife and celebrated their enduring marriage. He fondly recalled their first meeting, expressing how he anticipated an intriguing relationship, and it certainly has been just that.

During his speech, he emphasized that taking care of Mavis brings him joy, proclaiming that being married to her was the “smartest thing” he had ever done. In June, he further reflected on their life together, stating that they do everything as a team and that marriage, in his experience, becomes easier with time. Jay summed it all up by saying, “I go home every night, make dinner, and we enjoy each other’s company.”

Jay and Mavis’ journey together has been filled with love and companionship since 1980, and despite not having children, their commitment to each other continues to shine through, especially during these challenging times.