Jay Leno is opening up about his marriage to Mavis Leno as she faces advanced dementia. The 75-year-old former “Tonight Show” host spoke on the “Life Above the Noise With Maria Shriver” podcast about caring for his wife, the reactions he’s heard from others, and what their day-to-day life looks like. Mavis, 79, was diagnosed in early 2024.
Jay Leno Says He’s Committed to His Wedding Vows
Leno told host Shriver, 70, that he has been surprised by how stunned some people seem when he speaks about staying devoted to his wife through her health journey.
“I’ve said this a bunch of times, you take a vow when you get married and people are stunned … they’re so shocked that you would live up to it,” Leno said during the episode, which premiered Sunday, January 11.
Leno and Mavis have been married since 1980, after meeting while he was performing at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles. In the podcast discussion, he described how conversations about commitment can sometimes veer into uncomfortable territory — and how he responds.
“My favorite thing was — this is the most Hollywood thing. A guy said to me, ‘So, are you gonna get a girlfriend now?’” he recalled.
Leno said he replied, “‘Well no, I have a girlfriend. I’m married. Married 45 years.’” He added that the person continued pushing, saying, “‘Yeah, but you know what I mean.’” Leno said he stood firm.
“No, we’re kinda in this together here,” he said.
The Former ‘Tonight Show’ Host Reflects on Changing Views of Commitment
Leno also spoke about how he believes society’s view of relationships has changed over time. He said that in his view, doing what you are supposed to do in a marriage should not be considered unusual.
“That used to be the norm, and then when you strayed that was the out of whack part,” Leno said. “Now the out of whack part is fairly common, and staying and doing what you’re supposed to do is stunning to people.”
While he acknowledged that the past several years have brought new challenges, he also framed their situation as a reflection of the life they have built together over more than four decades.
“This is that thing of, ‘Okay, you’ve been pretty lucky up to this point. It’s been easy sailing. This is where it gets a little tricky,’” Leno said.
Mavis Leno’s ‘Advanced Dementia’ Diagnosis Became Public in 2024
Mavis’ condition became public in April 2024 when Leno filed to establish a conservatorship over his wife’s estate. At the time, Mavis was “in agreement” with the arrangement, her attorney said in court, and was “receiving excellent care with her husband, Mr. Leno.”
Leno has continued discussing caregiving in other interviews as well, including “In Depth With Graham Bensinger.” He said their relationship still centers on the same togetherness, even though his responsibilities have increased.
“It’s basically what we did before,” Leno said. “Except now I have to feed her and do all those things. But I like it. I like taking care of her. She’s a very independent woman, so I like that I’m needed. And I need to be there.”
He also addressed the question of commitment directly on the show.
“When you get married, you sort of take a vow, ‘Will I live up to this? Or will I be like a sleazy guy if something happens to my wife, I’m out banging the cashier at the mini mart?’” Leno reflected. “No, I didn’t. I enjoy the time with my wife. I go home, I cook dinner for her, watch TV and it’s okay.”
Jay Leno Says Making Mavis Laugh Is Still His Priority
Leno emphasized that humor remains an important part of how he supports Mavis. He told Shriver that making her laugh remains a central goal.
Jay also shared a story about a late-night moment that turned into a memory he now holds close. He recalled being in bed with Mavis when she told him she loved him.
“I said, ‘You’re having a nightmare, go back to bed,’” Leno said. “She thought that was the funniest thing; she just couldn’t stop laughing.”
“And to me, that’s what’s fun,” he continued. “‘Oh, I got a laugh out of her.’”
He has previously spoken about that same priority in a past interview with Oprah Winfrey.
“Nothing was more fun than making my mom laugh or pleasing my mom,” Leno said in 2002. “So I’ve transferred that to my wife. Now don’t get it confused: I don’t see my wife as my mom. But making her happy or making her laugh is a priority.”
Jay, I married my high school sweetheart and we spent 64 tears together before she passed last year following several years of dementia. I cannot imagine having not been there for her as she was for me. Those times we connected whether listening to a song or when she had a lucid moment were priceless. It is obvious you share that feeling. Ken
God bless you both💕
Heartwarming, truly. Refreshing that my views about marriage are reflected by a celebrity – sadly, that’s so rare.
Jay, my bride Marsha and I will be celebrating 59 years this June. She is in Stage 6 Dementia (Lewy Body) and needs 24/7 care. My daughter and I take care of her at home and will until we can no longer do that or she no longer needs us. Its what we do! We made our vows and are keeping them. I know she would be doing the same for me. God Bless you and Mavis
Ive always enjoyed Jay Leno. On the tonight show and Last man standing. Now I not only like him and now I also respect him and think he has integrity.
Jay you are absolutely wonderful. God bless you both!
Jay, what a testament you are to what it means to “take vows” and live them right to the end; for better or for worse. God bless you both.
What a wonderful man! I wish there were more Jay Leno’s in this world! To see how he truly loves and adores his wife and is 100% devoted to her is so beautiful! I wish I could find someone like him to be in my life! This is the type of person who makes the world better!
Yeah! These young people do NOT understand what a real marriage is! .. they bail out when the going gets tough!.. that’s where you should take your vows seriously like Jay does!
‘For better or worse until death do us part!.. ‘in sickness and in health’!..
I am so proud of you!!
Not many men take their vows serious today
It is great to see old fashioned values!!!!
Good job!!!!
Jay, I have lived through this process 3 times in my life. My mother, mother-in-law and my brother-in-law. I understand what you are going through. My wife and I will be married 50 years next year. We are from the same generation. People don’t understand, when you make a vow, you stick to it for better or worse. As a car guy, I learned about your love of cars. I am happy to see your love for Mavis is even stronger. Keep your chin up! I know with that wonderfull chin that might be difficult!
This is so wonderful. Always watched your show. Late night is awful now. Never watch the ones that are on now. Had watched all the late night shows before you, after you were done, I have also been done. Love the attitude that you have towards Mavis. God is definitely looking after you and Mavis.