Jay Leno is facing a deeply personal chapter in his life as his wife of 45 years, Mavis Leno, battles advanced dementia. The once-vibrant activist and feminist now struggles with memory loss so severe that she sometimes doesn’t recognize her own husband.

Mavis’s condition led Jay to file for conservatorship in early 2024. Court documents reveal she forgets key details, including her date of birth and even Jay himself. Despite her fading clarity, Jay remains by her side as a full-time caregiver, ensuring her safety and comfort.

Their love story began in 1976 at a comedy club, and the couple married in 1980. Though they chose not to have children, they built a strong, enduring bond rooted in mutual respect and shared values. Jay often said Mavis was the person he wished he could be.

As her illness progresses, Jay handles her daily needs—cooking, dressing her, and offering emotional support. Though it’s challenging, he finds meaning in being there for her. “I like being needed,” he says.

He’s cut back on travel to stay close, only leaving for short weekend shows. Through it all, Jay insists their love is stronger than ever. “I would rather be with her than doing anything else,” he shared. “This is what love really is.”