Jay Leno says caring for wife Mavis is a 'challenge' after dementia diagnosis

Talk show icon Jay Leno recently opened up about the personal journey he's been on with his wife, Mavis, since she was diagnosed with dementia. In a candid discussion on the In Depth with Graham Bensinger podcast, Leno - who was accused of having a gambling addiction last year - shared insights into how he's handling his new role as conservator of her estate and finances. Reflecting on the vows they took long ago, he said, "When you get married, you sort of take a vow: 'Will I live up to this? Or will I be, like, a sleazy guy [where] if something happens to my wife, I'm out banging the cashier at the mini-mart?'" Gene Hackman's New Mexico property has scary update as pictures emerge of home Saving Private Ryan dethroned as 'greatest ever war film' by Netflix hit Jay emphasized that their marriage of 45 years remains unchanged, except now he finds himself in the position of caretaker.

Discussing the responsibilities that come with Mavis' condition, Jay explained, "It's a challenge," but elaborated, "I like it. I like taking care of her. She's a very independent woman, so I like that I'm needed.



" He also delved into what he believes truly defines a marriage, saying, "At some point in my life, I'm gonna be called upon to defend myself. I think that's really what defines a marriage. I mean, that's really what love is.

That's what you do." Leno expressed satisfaction with his choices: "I mean, I'm glad I didn't cut and run. I'm glad I didn't run off with some woman half my age or any of that silly nonsense.

I would rather be with her than doing something else," reports the Mirror . Jay also disclosed an intimate glimpse into their lives by describing how they review memories using flash cards, adding a tender example: "It's kind of fun. I go, 'Honey, that's President Obama.

Remember we had dinner?' [She'll say], 'Oh, not me.' [And I'll say], 'Yeah, honey, that was you!'". In January 2024, the former late-night show host took legal steps to protect his wife of 43 years after she was diagnosed with dementia.

The petition, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court and obtained by Entertainment Tonight, revealed that Mavis "has been progressively losing capacity and orientation to space and time for several years.Her "current condition renders her incapable of executing the estate plan." Should he predecease Mavis, Jay aims to "ensure Mavis has managed assets sufficient to provide for her care" by establishing a trust for their joint inheritance.

Jay has "always handled the couple's finances throughout" their marriage. Jay himself has also suffered with his health in recent years after a fire in his garage left his face and neck badly burned, and then a motorcycle accident. Throughout these challenging times, Mavis remained supportive and did not attempt to dissuade his passion for cars and bikes despite the traumatic events.

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