Jay Leno, the beloved television host and comedian, has shared insights into his life as a caregiver for his wife, Mavis Leno, who is living with dementia. The Evanses, who have been married since 1980, have faced this challenge together. Leno candidly discusses the challenges and joys of being by his wife’s side as she navigates this incredible journey.
In a new YouTube interview with Graham Bensinger, Leno shared candidly about his life with Mavis. He explained how her diagnosis shifted the dynamics of their relationship as years went by. He emphasized the importance of being present for her, stating, “I would rather be with her than doing something else.” This expression of feeling was a significant indicator of his dedication to their life and love after more than four decades spent together.
Leno feels his way through stress-inducing situations with humor. He’s still able to play flash card memory games with Mavis, asking her if she remembers old pictures. Just the other day, he pulled up a picture of President Barack Obama and it was a wonderful surprise to her. The couple, who had shared a meal with Obama at the White House, a memento of their decades-old friendship.
Creepy and funny though those moments might be, taking care of Mavis isn’t easy. Leno described some of the daily tasks involved in caregiving, saying, “When you have to feed someone and change them and, you know, carry them to the bathroom and do all that kind of stuff every day, it’s a challenge.” Yet he remains committed to his role, stating, “It’s basically what we did before, except now I have to feed her and do all those things. I like it. I like taking care of her.”
Leno admitted he was happy to be “needed” in their marriage—especially since Mavis had always been “so independent” in her adult life. He said that he was glad he didn’t just “cut and run.” Rather than distance himself from Mavis and their family under these incredible pressures, he remained fully engaged and supportive. This pledge reflects the level of intimacy they have and the extent to which Leno has committed himself to supporting his wife.
While he refrained from providing detailed information about Mavis’s condition, Leno’s openness about his experiences serves as an important reminder of the realities faced by caregivers. They were joined recreating that iconic moment on May 30, 2024, at the Netflix premiere of “Unfrosted.” This annual event is a testament to their deep and lasting collaborative relationship.
