Jay Leno, the 74-year-old comedian and legendary former host of The Tonight Show, is preparing for a new chapter in life—one that balances his enduring passion for automobiles with the realities of aging and health. Known for his sharp wit and long tenure on late-night television, Leno has spent decades entertaining millions while quietly cultivating a second, lifelong love: cars. That enthusiasm eventually became the foundation of his web series, Jay Leno’s Garage, which ran from 2015 to 2022 and attracted over 3.7 million subscribers on YouTube, allowing viewers a personal glimpse into Leno’s collection of rare and classic automobiles. The series cemented his reputation not only as a comedian but as an aficionado whose knowledge and enthusiasm for vehicles are unmatched.
Leno’s devotion to his hobby has not come without risk. In November 2022, he suffered severe burns in a garage fire while working under a car in Burbank, California, sustaining third-degree burns and losing part of his left ear. Just two months later, a motorcycle accident left him with a broken collarbone, cracked ribs, and fractured kneecaps. Despite these serious injuries, Leno’s resilience and zest for life remained evident. Even amid such health challenges, his commitment to his family, particularly his wife, Mavis, remains unwavering. Married since 1980, the couple chose not to have children, and in recent years, Mavis has battled dementia. In April 2024, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge granted Leno conservatorship over Mavis’ inheritance due to her declining mental capacity, a decision that underscores both the seriousness of her condition and Leno’s ongoing dedication to her care.
Court documents detail Mavis’ progressive loss of awareness of time, space, and even recognition of her husband. According to her neurologist, Dr. Cohen, Leno continues to provide devoted care, managing her daily needs while ensuring her comfort and safety. For Leno, this period has required a delicate balance between caregiving and planning for the future, particularly as he looks ahead to his own eventual passing. In recent filings, Leno has laid out comprehensive provisions for Mavis’ continued care and detailed the management of their estate, reflecting his meticulous approach to both life and legacy.
Central to Leno’s estate is his $52 million car and motorcycle collection, which is to be placed in the Leno Marital Trust. The plan ensures that Mavis’ care is prioritized during her lifetime, while providing a framework for his cherished collection to ultimately benefit a broader public audience. Upon both of their passings, the assets will be transferred to the JDM Foundation, a nonprofit Leno established in 1988. The foundation’s goal is to create a museum dedicated to showcasing Leno’s collection, preserving the cars and motorcycles he has painstakingly gathered over decades. This step demonstrates Leno’s enduring commitment to sharing his passion and educating future generations about the artistry and history of automobiles.
In addition to his foundation, Leno has designated $7 million to his nephew, Richard Leno, and Mavis’ brother, Rikki Nicholson, who lives nearby. These measures reflect his care not only for Mavis but also for his extended family, ensuring that they are provided for as he focuses on preserving his legacy and planning the future of his automotive treasures. Court approval of these trust revisions is expected, formalizing the comprehensive structure Leno has meticulously crafted over the years.
As Jay Leno prepares to step away from the public spotlight, fans are reminded of the rare combination of humor, dedication, and passion that has defined his career. His love for cars and motorcycles, coupled with a steadfast devotion to Mavis, underscores a life lived fully and deliberately. Though the years ahead will bring challenges, Leno’s careful planning and thoughtful legacy ensure that his contributions—both on-screen and off—will endure. In this moment, it is fitting to acknowledge and celebrate both Jay and Mavis, wishing them strength, comfort, and the warmth of shared memories as they navigate this new chapter together.
