Jay Leno, the 74-year-old ex-host of the “Tonight Show,” has recently shared a heartwarming anecdote about finding joy in daily life while supporting his wife, Mavis, in her struggle with dementia. The story revolves around a shopping trip that added a bit of humor to their day.

Leno gave a frank interview to People magazine, where he shed light on how he manages to stay positive in their everyday life. “You try to find the humor in this situation,” he said, recounting a recent trip to a department store intended to cheer up his wife.

The TV star took Mavis to Nordstrom when he noticed her spirits were low. During their shopping adventure, Mavis found two pairs of sneakers she liked. The simple act of shopping turned humorous when Leno found one pair was far pricier than the other. “I go, no, I only had two pairs of sneakers. I thought these were $24. [The cashier] goes, Yeah, these are $24. But the other ones were [designer sneakers],” Leno recounted.

The second pair, a bedazzled version of similar sneakers, was priced at $847. Despite the stark price difference, Leno found humor in the situation. “It’s fine, I’m glad I can afford this and it made my wife happy. It just made me laugh,” he reported.

In April of the previous year, Leno was granted conservatorship over Mavis after court documents revealed she “sometimes does not know her husband, Jay, nor her date of birth.” The couple, married since 1980, have faced this health crisis together, maintaining a strong bond throughout.

Despite the trials, the Lenos continue to attend public events together. At the Los Angeles premiere of “Unfrosted,” Mavis spoke on her condition, expressing positivity by saying, “I feel great, yeah!”

At the 16th Annual Global Women’s Rights Awards & Gala hosted by the Feminist Majority Foundation, Leno became emotional when discussing their relationship on Fox News.

During the award presentation, Leno stood on stage and called his decision to marry Mavis “the smartest thing I’ve ever done.”

The conservatorship arrangement was established to protect both Leno and his wife, as the couple does not have children. The court deemed this to be the “least restrictive alternative” to ensure Mavis’s welfare, particularly in terms of handling their shared property and assets in a trust. 

Alongside his wife’s health challenges, Leno has also had to deal with his own physical adversities. In November 2024, he suffered a severe fall down a 60-foot incline, resulting in a large bruise on the left side of his face, a black eye, and a broken wrist.

Earlier that same year, in January 2023, Leno was involved in a severe motorcycle accident. He was “clotheslined” during the incident, sustaining a broken collarbone and two broken ribs. 

These incidents followed another significant accident where Leno suffered serious burns. While working on a vintage car in his garage, a steam engine exploded in his face. The explosion happened while he was underneath a 1907 White Steam Car, attempting to clear a fuel line. The accident left him with second-degree burns on his face, chest, and hands. He spent nine days at the Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles, California, receiving treatment for his injuries. 

Despite these physical setbacks, Leno has exhibited his characteristic resilience and humor. He continues to make public appearances and indulge his love for vintage cars, while also dedicating himself to caring for Mavis. Recently, he was seen looking fully recovered from his fall, with no visible bruising, as he continues to balance his professional obligations with his role as Mavis’s primary caregiver.