Los Angeles, California – Comedian Jay Leno has filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court to become the conservator over his wife Mavis Leno’s affairs, citing her dementia as the reason. The court documents, filed on Friday, state that Leno is seeking the conservatorship to ensure that his 77-year-old wife has adequate financial resources for her care in the event of his death. According to the petition, Mavis Leno has been experiencing a progressive decline in her capacity and orientation to space and time for several years.
The filing also states that Mavis Leno’s current condition renders her unable to execute her estate plan. The court documents reveal that she is being treated for both dementia and a mood disorder. The couple, who have been married for 43 years and do not have children, reside in Beverly Hills.
Leno, through a spokesperson, declined to comment on the matter. However, the petition emphasizes that he has always handled the couple’s finances throughout their marriage and will continue to do so until his passing. The conservatorship is seen as a necessary step to ensure that the couple’s estate plans are executed properly and that Mavis Leno’s brother, who is her sole living heir aside from Jay, is taken care of as well.
Mavis Leno, known for her independent pursuits of progressive causes, has been actively involved in advocating for women’s rights. She served as a board member of the Feminist Majority Foundation and chaired its Campaign for Afghan Women and Girls. The foundation’s campaign for Afghan women was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. In the past, Mavis and Jay Leno donated $100,000 to the foundation’s global women’s rights program.
The couple’s love story began in 1976 when they met at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles. In a 1987 interview with People magazine, Mavis Leno reflected on their relationship, stating that being with Jay gave her a sense of having arrived at her destination. Throughout their marriage, Jay Leno had frequently mentioned Mavis while hosting “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” which aired on NBC for about 20 years.
While it remains unclear when Mavis Leno was first diagnosed with dementia, a doctor’s report from November, submitted as part of the court proceedings, noted impairments in her memory, ability to concentrate, and use of reason. With the conservatorship, Jay Leno aims to safeguard his wife’s well-being and ensure that her needs are met should he predecease her.
In conclusion, Jay Leno seeks to become the conservator over his wife Mavis Leno’s affairs due to her dementia. The couple’s enduring love story, their philanthropic endeavors, and Jay’s commitment to caring for Mavis throughout their marriage underscore the significance of this legal action. The conservatorship would provide the necessary framework to secure Mavis Leno’s financial future and ensure the execution of their estate plans.