Additional Coverage:
- Jay Leno on becoming his wife’s caretaker after her dementia diagnosis: ‘I mean, that’s really what love is’ (businessinsider.com)
Comedian Jay Leno recently shared a heartfelt perspective on caring for his wife, Mavis, following her dementia diagnosis. In a candid interview on “In Depth with Graham Bensinger,” Leno emphasized that supporting his wife through this challenge is simply part of his commitment to their marriage.
Leno discussed the daily tasks he now assists with, from meal preparation to personal care. While acknowledging the difficulties, he expressed a quiet satisfaction in being there for his wife, appreciating the opportunity to be needed.
He affirmed his dedication to their relationship, contrasting his choice to stay and support Mavis with the temptation to abandon their vows. Leno and Mavis met in the 1970s at a Los Angeles comedy club and married in 1980.
Court documents indicate Leno was granted conservatorship over his wife’s estate in 2024.
Leno joins a growing number of public figures who have openly shared their experiences with caregiving. The increasing prevalence of caregiving responsibilities reflects a broader demographic trend, with the CDC reporting a significant rise in the number of caregivers in the US between 2015 and 2020.