Jay Leno “enjoys” caring for his wife Mavis as she battles advanced dementia.
The former late-night talk show host says the couple is “having fun” dealing with her degenerative condition, which causes a decline in thinking, memory and reasoning skills, which she was diagnosed with in 2024.
Jay, who married Mavis in 1980, said PEOPLE magazine, “I’ve been very lucky in my life. My wife is fighting dementia and all that, but it’s not cancer. It’s not a tumor, so I enjoy taking care of her.”
He continued: “It’s not work, because people come up and say they’re so sorry. I understand the sympathy, because I know a lot of people are going through it, but it’s okay.”
“I like taking care of her. I enjoy her company and we have a good time. We have fun with her and that is what she is,” he said. NBC added the comedian.
However, the 75-year-old TV star said there are times that will be difficult, but Jay is lucky to be in a position where he can afford to take care of Mavis and her medical bills.
Jay, who is worth an estimated $450 million, said in conclusion: “There’s going to be a couple of years that are going to be tough. So the first 46, really great. But it’s okay. It’s not terrible. I’m not a desperate person. I’m just lucky to be able to take care of her.”
