At the 34th Annual Love Ride in Glendale on Nov. 9, Jay Leno, 75, spoke plainly about life at home with his wife, Mavis, 79, who is living with advanced dementia.
In what is a truly heart-melting series of comments, Leno called caregiving meaningful, not a burden, and said he feels fortunate to be the one by her side. Multiple outlets, including People Magazine and the New York Post, reported his comments from the event.
According to People Magazine, Leno explained that he isn’t looking for sympathy and that he enjoys caring for Mavis, a commitment that now shapes his days and travels. For example, he served as grand marshal at the charity ride, then headed straight home to make her food, underscoring how he structures work around being with her every night.
This story hits home on a personal level, my mom lives with advanced dementia and seeing what Leno said about his wife, knowing how much time and attention is needed is revelatory, especially in a modern-era of too often negative celebrity coverage.
The quote that stuck
Amongst all the coverage of this story, the quote that stuck for me was “It’s not work.” A quote he said when talking about the daily routines, emphasizing that being present with Mavis is what matters. As someone who has seen the time and effort needed to care for someone with dementia, this comment is both sweet and under-playing the reality.
What’s even more endearing is that Leno still finds small joys in familiar habits with her, like sharing movies and explaining plots, and that he aims to keep their days calm and predictable. The New York Post and People both noted that he frames this period as challenging but manageable, and that he’s grateful he can provide the care she needs.
In the reports, it was clear that Leno prioritizes being home, for example, he chartered a same-day flight back from the Puerto Rico event so that he wouldn’t miss a night with his wife.
The E! News takeaway is eye-opening. Their take from the event was that dementia is hard, but it isn’t a terminal cancer diagnosis, and that Leno won’t dwell in self-pity. He chooses gratitude.
This is a sentiment that has shown up across interviews since all this began, from quick red-carpet answers to longer sit-downs about what love looks like after four decades. For instance, Entertainment Tonight featured video segments where Leno described the real work of feeding, changing, and lifting, and then turning around and doing it again the next day. He called himself lucky to be able to do it.
The legal facts
When it comes to caregiving, the legality of it all is important. Jay Leno’s legal arrangements with his wife are well documented. A Los Angeles judge granted Leno conservatorship over Mavis’ estate in April 2024, with the court and her attorney noting she was in “very good” hands and that the plan ensured her ongoing care. People previously covered the decision in detail, and the Los Angeles Times outlined why Leno set up the conservatorship after her diagnosis. E! News has also chronicled how his role as full-time caregiver has evolved.
Why this matters now
The way Jay Leno is looking at this, and his actions, show people what marriage is and what level of commitment and effort is needed. That’s why this story matters now, it’s a bonafide love story in a time of quick divorces and negative coverage.
It goes further than that though, as this is a reality many American families are living, especially in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Leno is fortunate that he is able to continue working select dates and be home daily for his wife. It’s a beautiful thing to see and read about. As People put it, he’s not a “woe-is-me” person. He’s a husband doing the job he signed up for in 1980.