Jay Leno Takes on Conservatorship for Wife Mavis Leno After Dementia Diagnosis

Jay Leno Granted Conservatorship of Wife Mavis

Jay Leno and Mavis Leno Tibrina Hobson/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Jay Leno has been given conservatorship of his wife, Mavis Leno, after she was diagnosed with dementia. A judge at the Los Angeles County Superior Court approved this decision on Tuesday, April 9, as stated in court papers we have seen.

Jay, who is 73 years old, applied for a conservatorship for his 77-year-old wife, Mavis, in January. His objective was to establish a living trust for Mavis in case he passes away. The reason behind his decision was Mavis' dementia diagnosis, as per documents obtained by Us.

Mavis' court-appointed lawyer, Ronald Ostrin, provided additional information about Mavis' condition in his own filing, which was obtained by Us earlier this month.

According to her neurologist, Dr. Hart Cohen, Mavis has advanced dementia which causes her to sometimes not recognize her husband, Jay, or remember her date of birth. She experiences a lot of disorientation and often talks about her deceased parents, particularly her mother who passed away around 20 years ago.

Despite Mavis' cognitive impairment, her attorney, Ostrin, describes her as a delightful person with a charming personality. Ostrin mentioned that Mavis, who has been married to Jay since 1980, willingly agrees to the conservatorship and sees Jay as her protector.

Ostrin described Jay's actions as the best way to protect Ms. Leno while respecting her dignity.

The judge, as reported by People, reassured Leno during the hearing that he is doing everything right, recognizing the challenges he is facing.

The conservatorship ruling was made shortly after Jay took Mavis to his stand-up show at the Hollywood Improv comedy club in West Hollywood on Wednesday, April 3. The two first crossed paths at one of Jay's shows at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles in 1976.

Mavis fondly recalled their initial meeting in an interview with the Los Angeles Times in September 2014. She remembered thinking, "Wow, that comedian is really good looking!" and needing to use the restroom. Unbeknownst to her, the restroom area at the Comedy Store was where the comedians hung out. When she emerged from the bathroom, Jay asked, "Are you the girl who was sitting in front?" to which she replied, "Yes, that was me."

Jay appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show in September 2023 and took the opportunity to praise his wife.

He shared, "I always say, ‘Marry your conscience. Marry the person you wish you could be, who is kind and maybe whatever fault you have, doesn’t have those faults.’ That’s worked out for me, so to me, I married the perfect person. It worked out good."

Editor's P/S:

It's heartbreaking to read about the challenges that Jay Leno and his wife, Mavis, are facing due to her dementia diagnosis. The article highlights the complexities of navigating such a difficult situation and the importance of seeking legal protection to ensure Mavis's well-being. It's commendable that Jay Leno has taken proactive steps to establish a living trust and conservatorship to safeguard his wife's future and provide her with the necessary care.

The article also sheds light on the impact of dementia on relationships and the challenges caregivers face. It's important to remember that individuals with dementia may experience cognitive impairments that affect their memory, judgment, and behavior. It's crucial to approach these situations with compassion and understanding, and to seek professional guidance and support when needed. The article highlights the role of legal counsel in protecting the rights of individuals with dementia and ensuring that their wishes are respected.