Jay Leno reveals the horrifying loss his dementia-stricken wife mourned ‘every day’ for three years

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Jay Leno shared that his wife, Mavis, who has dementia, has been experiencing the same upsetting experience every day for the past three years.

Mavis is 79 years old and was diagnosed with dementia last year. As a result, 75-year-old Jay was legally appointed to manage her finances and property.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve always admired resilience, and I’m really struck by how openly this comedy icon is sharing her recent health struggles in a new interview with Hoda Kotb on TODAY. It’s incredibly moving to hear her talk about processing the grief of losing her mother – something she’s had to revisit again and again. It’s a powerful reminder that grief isn’t always a one-time experience, and her honesty is truly inspiring.

He explained to Hoda that the most difficult part was repeatedly receiving the news of his mother’s death each day. For about three years, it felt like she was dying anew with each phone call.

He explained it wasn’t just about being upset, but about learning something completely new, which was challenging. “That makes things difficult,” he added.

Jay has been serving as Mavis’ caregiver – a role he enjoys.  

“She still remembers me,” Leno explained. “That hasn’t changed. She’s really comfortable these days, and seems genuinely happy and at peace. It’s good to see, and I’m glad I can look after her.”

The tasks include carrying his wife to the bathroom, a moment he manages to add levity into. 

He explained that when he carries his mother to the bathroom, they often sway back and forth. He jokingly calls it ‘Jay and Mavis at the prom,’ referencing a high school dance, because she finds it amusing.

Jay said her appetite has ‘really come back’ but he was sad he couldn’t take he rout to dinner.

He explained he’d love to take her out for meals and activities, but it’s just not feasible right now. Instead, they’re planning to take her for drives in the car so she can enjoy looking at things, which she really likes.

He admitted he was upset. He explained that she really enjoys traveling, and it makes him sad she’s no longer able to. They try to experience travel and see animals through videos on YouTube, which they enjoy watching together.

And years after their wedding, Leno is still feeling butterflies around his wife.  

He shared with Today that he can always tell when his loved one is happy, especially when she looks at him, smiles, and tells him she loves him – it completely melts his heart.

After his wife was diagnosed with severe dementia last year, Jay legally took over management of her finances and property.

Oh my gosh, you guys, it was EVERYTHING! Later that month, Mavis actually showed up with her husband to the premiere of Unfrosted in L.A., and she gave everyone an update on how she was doing! I nearly fainted, honestly. Seeing her looking so good… it was the best night ever!

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she positively stated, ‘I feel great, yeah!’

Oh my gosh, hearing Jay say he just wanted to do something fun? It’s everything! He was saying how everything is so serious and full of drama these days, and he just needed to escape to something light and silly – like this movie! He genuinely thinks everyone’s going to have an amazing time, and honestly, knowing how awesome he is, I know they will! It just makes me so happy he wanted a little joy in his life, and that he’s sharing that with us!

He also shared that he and his wife ‘hang out every day.’

‘We have a great time. 44 years! So we’re doing good,’ the late-night host gushed.

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2025-11-20 21:05