“This is what true love really is!”

Former Tonight Show host Jay Leno shares how love and laughter keep him strong while caring for his wife, Mavis, who has advanced dementia

- Jenna Fanelli

"Caregiving is a challenge, but I enjoy doing it," said Leno, pictured with his wife, Mavis, in 2024

After more than four-and-a-half decades together, Jay Leno is standing by his wife in the face of life's toughest challenges. The 75-year-old Emmy Award-winning host opened up about his experience being the caregiver of his wife, Mavis Leno, 78, after her dementia diagnosis. Here, we take a look back at the pair's relationship and see how Jay is embracing this chapter of his marriage with grace and hope.

Appearing on the April 23 episode of the In Depth with Graham Bensinger podcast, Jay Leno opened up about the demands of caring for his wife, Mavis, who he revealed is living with advanced dementia.

“I have never been particularly challenged,” admitted Jay. “I was not in the Army; I didn't have to shoot anybody. I didn't have to risk my life.” But he admits life is not without its hurdles—and it's all about keeping your promises. “When you get married, you take a vow,” he said, noting that he asked himself, “Will I live up to this? Or will I be like a sleazy guy if something happens to my wife?”

Jay and Mavis Leno (here on The Tonight Show set in 2001) met in 1976 and were married in 1980

Jay confirmed the former. “I enjoy the time with my wife. I go home, I cook dinner for her, watch TV, it's okay. It's basically what we did before, except now I have to feed her and do everything for her. But I like it. I like taking care of her.”