In a recent interview, Jay Leno said he was shocked when he was asked whether he would “get a girlfriend” while his wife, Mavis Leno, is battling advanced dementia, diagnosed in 2024.
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For the renowned host, supporting his partner, to whom he has been married for 45 years, is something natural, but he has realized that not everyone views the commitment of marriage in the same way he does.
“You make a vow when you get married, and people are impressed, shocked, when you actually keep it,” Leno said during an appearance on the podcast Life Above the Noise, hosted by Maria Shriver.
According to Leno, it was surprising to be asked whether he would have another relationship now that his wife is ill.
“My favorite — and this is the most Hollywood thing possible — was when a guy asked me: ‘So, are you going to get a girlfriend now?’,” Leno said. “Well, no. I have a girlfriend. I’m married.” We’ve been married for 45 years, you know what I mean? We’re in this together. You can’t just say, ‘Honey, I’m going to be with my girlfriend, I’ll be right back,’” the host replied.
Leno has spoken openly about his wife’s diagnosis and shared that she is already beginning to show signs of the disease, but that she still remembers him.
“She’s not forgetting me. That hasn’t happened yet. She seems extremely comfortable now. And she seems happy and content. Actually, it’s fine. It’s good. I like taking care of her.”
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