After years of being in the spotlight as a beloved late-night TV host, Jay Leno is now preparing for the final chapter of his life. At 74 years old, Jay is famous not only for his comedy but also for his deep love of cars—a passion that has nearly cost him his life twice. As he faces the realities of aging, he’s making important end-of-life plans, including a significant donation to a museum dedicated to his cherished automobiles.
Even after stepping down from his successful career as a late-night talk show host, Jay didn’t slow down. He continued to share his love for cars through his show, “Jay Leno’s Garage.” This series, which aired on NBC.com from 2015 to 2022, now thrives on YouTube, where over 3.7 million subscribers eagerly watch to see Jay’s incredible collection of cars and motorcycles.
But Jay’s passion for working on cars hasn’t come without risks. In November 2022, he experienced a terrifying accident when a fire broke out in his garage in Burbank, California. “I got some serious burns from a gasoline fire,” Jay told Variety at the time. “I am OK. Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.” The incident left him with third-degree burns on his face and cost him his left ear, which was later reconstructed.
As if that wasn’t enough, just two months after the fire, Jay suffered another blow. He was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him with a broken collarbone, two cracked ribs, and two cracked kneecaps.
Throughout these challenges, one thing has remained constant in Jay’s life: his deep love and commitment to his wife, Mavis. Married since 1980, Jay often speaks about Mavis with great admiration. “I always tell guys when they meet a woman, ‘Marry your conscience. Marry someone who’s the person you wish you could be, and it works out okay,’” he shared with People.
However, after 45 years of marriage, Jay and Mavis are facing a heartbreaking new challenge. Mavis, now 77, has been diagnosed with dementia, and her condition is worsening quickly. In April 2024, Jay was granted conservatorship over Mavis’ estate by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, who determined that the measure was “necessary and appropriate.”
According to court documents, Mavis has been struggling with her memory and awareness for several years. Her neurologist, Dr. Cohen, noted that there are times when she doesn’t recognize Jay or remember her own date of birth. Despite these difficulties, Jay remains devoted, caring for Mavis with the utmost love and tenderness, treating her “like gold.”
Recently, reports from In Touch revealed that Jay is making preparations for his own passing, ensuring that his estate will be properly managed and that his loved ones will be taken care of. His estate plan includes detailed provisions for Mavis’ care, with plans for the couple to stay in their home “for as long as reasonably possible,” using their funds to hire any necessary help.
If Jay passes before Mavis, his estate will be divided into the Leno Marital Trust, which includes his incredible collection of automobiles and motorcycles, valued at over $52 million. After both Jay and Mavis have passed, the remaining assets will go to the JDM Foundation, a charity Jay founded in 1988. This foundation will be responsible for creating a museum dedicated to Jay’s beloved car collection.
In addition to these plans, Jay has also set aside $7 million for Mavis’ brother, Rikki Nicholson, and his nephew, Richard Leno. A court-appointed official has indicated that Jay’s estate amendments are likely to be approved.
It’s hard to imagine a world without Jay Leno, but he’s ensuring that his legacy will live on. Share this story to send Jay and Mavis all the love and support they deserve!
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