At 74 years old, Jay Leno, the iconic comedian and former host of The Tonight Show, is making serious preparations for the future. After decades of being in the spotlight, Leno is now focusing on end-of-life planning, ensuring his affairs are in order and that his legacy lives on long after he’s gone. Known as much for his love of cars as for his comedy, Leno is dedicating a significant portion of his estate to protecting and preserving his beloved collection of automobiles and motorcycles. “No one lives forever,” Leno reportedly said, and it’s clear he’s taking those words to heart as he carefully outlines plans for his fortune, his wife Mavis, and the vast car collection he’s spent years building.
Following his legendary run on late-night television, Leno turned his attention full-time to his passion for cars. From 2015 to 2022, he hosted Jay Leno’s Garage on NBC.com, a web series devoted to showcasing his extensive car and motorcycle collection. The show later transitioned to YouTube, where it has amassed more than 3.7 million subscribers. Through his videos, Leno offers viewers a glimpse into the world of classic cars, rare models, and the mechanics behind them. Despite all the joy his automotive passion has brought him, it has also led to some harrowing moments. In November 2022, Leno was seriously injured in a gasoline fire while working in his Burbank, California garage. The accident resulted in third-degree burns on his face and hands, requiring reconstructive surgery, including the replacement of his left ear. Despite the severity of his injuries, Leno maintained his sense of humor, telling Variety, “I am OK. Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.” But his misfortunes didn’t end there. Only two months after the fire, Leno was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him with a broken collarbone, two cracked ribs, and two fractured kneecaps.
Through it all, one constant in Leno’s life has been his unwavering love for his wife, Mavis. Married since 1980, the couple has shared a deep bond for more than four decades. Despite the physical toll that age and accidents have taken on him, Leno’s commitment to Mavis has never faltered. He often speaks of her with great affection, once telling People magazine, “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.’” Now 77, Mavis is facing serious health challenges of her own. She was diagnosed with dementia, and her condition has been rapidly declining in recent years.
In April 2024, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge granted Leno conservatorship over Mavis’ estate. According to court documents obtained by Entertainment Tonight, Mavis has been “progressively losing capacity and orientation to space and time for several years.” The filings state that Jay is fully capable of continuing to provide for Mavis’ physical and financial needs, as he has throughout their marriage. However, her condition has rendered her incapable of executing any legal documents related to her estate plan. Included in the court documents is a statement from her neurologist, Dr. Hart Cohen, who notes that Mavis sometimes does not recognize her husband or recall her date of birth. Despite these heartbreaking developments, Cohen emphasized that Jay “loves his wife very much” and “treats Mavis like gold.”
With Mavis’ health in decline, Leno has taken further steps to ensure both of their futures are secure. According to reports from In Touch, Leno has made additional end-of-life arrangements, recognizing the need to safeguard his fortune and legacy. Legal documents reveal that “no one lives forever,” and Leno’s actions are described as “reasonable and necessary” for both his and Mavis’ protection. The filings confirm that Mavis does not object to the arrangements and that she consents to Leno managing their estate, trusting him as her protector and primary caregiver.
Part of Leno’s comprehensive plan includes ensuring that the couple can remain in their home for as long as possible, with the help of household employees and caregivers as needed. If Leno were to pass away first, the estate would be divided into the Leno Marital Trust. This trust would contain the Leno Collection—his extensive assortment of classic automobiles and motorcycles, currently valued at over $52 million—as well as any real estate housing the collection. The trust is irrevocable and is designed so that the surviving spouse receives all income from it, along with any necessary funds for reasonable support. Once both Jay and Mavis have passed, the remaining assets will be distributed according to the terms of the Leno Trust, with the after-tax balance going to their named beneficiary, JDM.
Leno’s careful planning demonstrates not only his commitment to his wife but also his dedication to preserving his life’s work and passions. His legendary car collection, known as the Leno Collection, represents decades of dedication, and he’s ensuring it will be protected for future generations to appreciate. As Leno puts his affairs in order, he is proving that while no one lives forever, the legacy we leave behind can endure. His actions show thoughtfulness, love, and foresight, securing both his wife’s well-being and the preservation of the automotive history he holds so dear.
