Jay Leno on becoming his wife's caretaker after her dementia diagnosis: 'I mean, that's really what love is'

• Jay Leno says he enjoys caring for his wife, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2024.
• "I mean, that's really what love is. That's what you do," the former late-night show host said.
• The number of caregivers in the US rose from 43.5 million in 2015 to about 53 million in 2020, per the CDC.

Jay Leno, 74, says caring for his wife, Mavis, after she was diagnosed with dementia is just part of what love is all about.

During an appearance on today's episode of "In Depth with Graham Bensinger," the former late-night host spoke about the challenges he faced being a caregiver to his wife.

"When I got married, you sort of take a vow: 'Will I live up to this? Or will I be like a sleazy guy if something happens to my wife, I'm out banging the cashier at the mini-mart?'" Leno told podcast host Bensinger. "No, I didn't. I enjoy the time with my wife. I go home, I cook dinner for her, watch TV, and it's OK."

They still do many of the things they did before, he said. Only now, he has to help her with daily tasks.

"But, I like it. I like taking care of her. She's a very independent woman, so I like that I'm needed," Leno said.

The couple met in the '70s at a comedy club in Los Angeles and married in 1980. They do not have any children together.

Leno was granted conservatorship over his wife's estate in 2024, according to court documents.

"Well, that's the challenge, isn't it? When you have to feed someone and change them and carry them to the bathroom and do all that kind of stuff every day," Leno said. "It's a challenge. And it's not that I enjoy doing it, but I guess I enjoy doing it."

At the end of the day, it's a testament to his commitment to her and their marriage vows.

"At some point in my life, I'm going to be called upon to defend myself. I think that's really what defines a marriage. I mean, that's really what love is. That's what you do. I mean, I'm glad I didn't cut and run. I'm glad I didn't run off with some woman half my age or any of that silly nonsense. I would rather be with her than doing something else," Leno said.

Leno isn't the only celebrity who has spoken about the experience of being a caregiver to a loved one.

In a 2019 opinion piece for USA Today, Rob Lowe reflected on the experience of stepping up with his brothers to care for their mother after she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.

"I often felt overwhelmed, and that was even with all the support I had from my brothers and colleagues," Lowe wrote.

Emma Heming Willis has also been open about her journey caring for her husband, Bruce Willis, after he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023.

"You know, I have my moments. It just depends. I'm hanging in there and doing the best that I can. And, turning my pain into purpose," Heming Willis said in a 2023 Instagram Live.

As the population ages, more and more people will likely need help with tasks at some point in their lifetime.

According to the CDC, the number of caregivers in the US increased from 43.5 million in 2015 to about 53 million in 2020.

A representative for Leno did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by Business Insider outside regular hours.