Jay Leno finds moments of laughter with wife Mavis amid her dementia, says she 'really likes them'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jay Leno is finding humor in small moments while caring for his wife, Mavis Leno, following her dementia diagnosis.
The comedian, 74, has been married to Mavis since 1980 and was granted a conservatorship over her in April 2024, months after her diagnosis in January last year.
Jay Leno recalls a funny moment while shopping with his wife Mavis Leno
During a conversation with People, Jay Leno shared a lighthearted shopping experience that brought joy to both of them.
Leno took Mavis to the mall to cheer her up and let her pick out something she liked. She initially didn’t find anything but eventually chose a pair of "bright blue sneakers."
Encouraging her to get another pair, she picked red-and-white sneakers as well.
"So I see she's happy, and I said 'This is great,'" he said. But when he went to the cashier, the seller told him that one pair cost $24 and the other cost $847.
Jay Leno told the cashier that both pairs of sneakers were $24. The cashier explained that one pair was expensive designer sneakers.
"It looked like the guy took a pair of the same sneakers and used a bedazzler on them, and they were $800. I look at my wife and said, 'You like these?' I go, 'Honey, you look great,'” Leno said.
Jay Leno says laughter helps him in caring for his wife Mavis
Jay Leno found the situation amusing and appreciated the joy it brought to Mavis. He also acknowledged that humor plays a key role in handling difficult moments.
"It's fine, I'm glad I can afford this and it made my wife happy. It just made me laugh. Just typical," Leno said.
Leno preferred the look of the cheaper $24 sneakers, saying they looked better.
"It just made me laugh, and I think when you're dealing with this kind of thing, you find your moments where you can have a laugh and have fun, and my wife really likes them and felt good about it," Leno said.
Jay Leno praises Mavis Leno as ‘the most independent woman’
Jay Leno also expressed his deep admiration for Mavis Leno and their time together. He feels happy in his marriage and enjoys it, even when things seem tough.
"People say marriage is difficult. I don't get it. I enjoy her company," Leno told the publication.
"I enjoy taking care of her. We have fun. She's the most independent woman I ever knew. Again, I just couldn't be prouder of her,” Leno, who hosted 'The Tonight Show' for three decades, said.
