But in recent months, public attention has shifted toward Mavis in a more intimate way, after Jay began speaking candidly about her health and their marriage. The former late-night host has been open about caring for his wife amid her dementia diagnosis, which was revealed in 2024, and about the reaction he’s received for simply staying by her side.
“My favorite thing was—this is the most Hollywood thing. A guy said to me, ‘So, are you gonna get a girlfriend now?’” Jay said. “No, we’re kinda in this together here,” Jay responded, adding that what once felt normal now seems surprising to some. “That used to be the norm, and then when you strayed that was the out of whack part. Now the out of whack part is fairly common, and staying and doing what you’re supposed to do is stunning to people.”
From her decades of activism and fiercely private life to the unconventional love story that defined their marriage, here’s what to know about Mavis Leno.
During her first visit, she was seated front row—close enough to lock eyes with Leno. “But at the time I thought, 'Holy s**t! That comedian is gorgeous!” she stated to the outlet. After his set, a chance run-in behind the scenes sealed the introduction. As Mavis later recalled, when she emerged from the restroom—an area comedians used as a hangout back then—Jay recognized her from the audience and struck up a conversation.
Leno Proposed Without a Ring
Jay Leno didn’t propose to Mavis with a diamond or a grand gesture. He simply asked. There was no ring, no kneeling, and no spectacle — just a straightforward conversation, mainly around insurance.
READ MORE: Jay Leno Says People Are ‘Shocked’ He Didn’t Get a Girlfriend After Wife’s Dementia Diagnosis
Mavis has always been open about her decision not to have children, a choice she made long before marrying Jay.
Jay has consistently supported that decision. Over the years, he’s shared that he never felt pressure to become a father and that their marriage never felt incomplete without children.
Her Activism
She told the Los Angeles Times in 2009 that she wants to protect women from the Taliban and their right to free speech. “I promised the Afghan women that I am not one of those Americans who has no attention span, and as long as this situation persists, I will be in there,” she noted.
How Jay Keeps the Romance Alive
As Mavis’ dementia has progressed, Jay has shared that he finds connection in small, familiar moments. During a November 2025 appearance on Today, he described one ritual that’s become part of their daily routine.
Jay acknowledged the moment might not sound romantic on paper, but for him, it’s everything. “I can tell that she appreciates it,” he added. “I can see the smile. I can tell when she’s happy…When she looks at me and smiles and says she loves me, I melt.”
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