Jay Leno Granted Conservatorship of Wife Mavis Leno’s Estate As Alzheimer's Disease Eats Deep

Los Angeles, CA – In a significant legal development, veteran comedian Jay Leno has been granted conservatorship over the joint estate he shares with his wife, Mavis Leno, due to her ongoing battle with dementia.

The decision was reached during a hearing at the Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Mavis Leno, aged 77, has been grappling with advanced Alzheimer’s disease, which has progressively impacted her cognitive function.

Her neurologist, Dr. Hart Cohen, confirmed that she sometimes does not recognize her husband, Jay Leno, or even recall her own birthdate.

The couple, who have been together for over 43 years, face the challenges of navigating this difficult period while ensuring Mavis’s well-being and estate management.

Jay Leno filed his petition for conservatorship in January, seeking to protect Mavis’s interests and ensure the correct execution of her estate plan.

The court-appointed attorney, Ronald E. Ostrin, emphasized that Mavis is “in agreement” with the conservatorship. During the hearing, the judge acknowledged Jay Leno’s commitment to providing excellent care for his wife and managing her affairs.

Leno, known for his tenure as the host of The Tonight Show, shared that he is actively involved in estate planning and reviewing Mavis’s will.

His filing also expressed the desire to manage Mavis’s half of their shared property and her assets within a trust.

The trust would provide for Mavis, her brother, and Jay Leno himself. Notably, the couple does not have children, and Mavis has no other siblings.

The court’s decision recognizes Jay Leno as a suitable and qualified conservator, allowing him to oversee Mavis’s financial matters.

Their long-term, loving, and supportive relationship played a crucial role in the judge’s assessment. Leno has consistently handled their finances throughout their marriage, making this step necessary to safeguard both their interests.

As the legal proceedings unfolded, the judge reassured Jay Leno, stating, “Everything you’re doing is right. I totally understand this is a difficult period.”