Legendary comedian Jay Leno recently opened up about his enduring marriage to Mavis Leno during an appearance on Maria Shriver’s Life Above the Noise podcast. The 75-year-old former late-night host shared candid reflections on the reactions he’s received from others as he continues to care for his wife, who was diagnosed with advanced dementia in early 2024.
45 Years of Marriage and a Deep Commitment
Jay and Mavis Leno have been married since 1980, after meeting while Jay was performing at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles. Over four decades later, the couple remains committed, even as Mavis, now 79, faces the challenges of dementia.
“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,” Jay told Maria Shriver during the podcast episode, which premiered on January 11.
In April 2024, Jay was granted conservatorship of Mavis to help manage her care, reflecting the seriousness of her condition.
Reactions from the Public
Despite the decades-long union, Jay revealed that some people have been surprised by his devotion.
“My favorite thing was — this is the most Hollywood thing. A guy said to me, ‘So, are you gonna get a girlfriend now?’” Jay recounted.
When the individual pressed him, Jay stood firm:
“‘Well no, I have a girlfriend. I’m married. Married 45 years … No, we’re kinda in this together here.’”
He explained that society’s view of long-term commitment has shifted.
“That used to be the norm, and then when you strayed that was the out-of-whack part. Now the out-of-whack part is fairly common, and staying and doing what you’re supposed to do is stunning to people.”
Finding Joy Amid Challenges
Jay described finding joy and laughter in his marriage, even while navigating the complexities of Mavis’ dementia.
“Making her laugh is still one of my primary things,” he said, recalling a late-night moment: “She told me she loved me, and I said, ‘You’re having a nightmare, go back to bed.’ She thought that was the funniest thing; she just couldn’t stop laughing.”
He reflected on how her laughter remains a source of happiness and connection, emphasizing the importance of maintaining joy in difficult times.
Honoring Marriage Vows in the Face of Illness
The comedian’s reflections highlight the power of commitment and loyalty in long-term relationships, particularly when faced with serious health challenges. For Jay, staying by Mavis’ side is a natural extension of the vows they took 45 years ago, showing that honoring marriage is about consistency, care, and love through life’s trials.
“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,’” Jay said of managing life with Mavis’ dementia.
Jay and Mavis: A Partnership Through Life
From attending red carpet events to supporting each other through health challenges, Jay and Mavis Leno’s partnership demonstrates enduring love in Hollywood. Their story serves as a reminder that marriage is not only about the good times but also about standing together through adversity.
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