Comedian Jay Leno Files for Conservatorship Over Wife’s Estate

Comedian Jay Leno poses in front of a 1979 Ford F-150 pickup, in the style of one owned by Walmart founder Sam Walton during the 27th annual Woodward Dream Cruise, in Royal Oak, Mich., on Aug. 20, 2022. Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Veteran late-night TV host Jay Leno on Friday filed for a conservatorship over the estate of his wife Mavis Leno, to whom he’s been married for 43 years.

Mr. Leno’s filing comes in the wake of reports of Mrs. Leno’s diagnosis of dementia.

The petition was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Obtained by the celebrity news talk show “Entertainment Tonight,” it outlines that the 77-year-old Mrs. Leno “has been progressively losing capacity and orientation to space and time for several years,” and her “current condition renders her incapable of executing the estate plan.”

The documents go on to state that Mr. Leno “has always handled the couple’s finances throughout” their marriage. He is seeking to create a trust for their joint estate that would “ensure Mavis has managed assets sufficient to provide for her care” should he die before her.

Leno’s estate plan also provides for his wife’s brother, who is “her sole living heir aside from Jay.” The couple does not have children.

Jay Leno Continues to Support Wife

The filing states “Jay is fully capable of continuing support for Mavis’ physical and financial needs, as he has throughout their marriage.” In addition to dementia, it also states that Mavis was being treated for “mood disorder.”

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for April 9.

Mavis Leno has been seen out in public with her husband as recently as Nov. 7 when the two were photographed attending the 60th anniversary of The Improv in Hollywood.

In terms of when Mrs. Leno was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s unclear at this time. The disease is progressive and starts with memory loss. A doctor’s report from November of last year, which was attached to the petition, states that Mavis Leno has suffered from impairments to her memory, use of reason, and ability to concentrate.

The couple have been together for over four decades, having married in 1980 after first meeting in the 1970s at the world-famous Comedy Store in West Hollywood.

Mr. Leno made his first appearance on “The Tonight Show” in 1977 when he performed a comedy routine.

In 1986, he became a regular substitute for regular host Johnny Carson, and in 1992, he replaced Mr. Carson as host amid controversy that David Letterman, who had been hosting “Late Night with David Letterman” since 1982, was the natural successor since his show aired after “The Tonight Show.”

Mr. Leno is also known for his extensive classic car and motorcycle collection and has a website and television show called “Jay Leno’s Garage.”

Mr. Leno made the news back in November of 2022 when he suffered “serious burns” to his face and hands after a vehicle at his Los Angeles garage burst into flames. Then, On Jan. 17, 2023, the comedian sustained multiple broken bones after falling off a motorcycle.