At 74 years old, Jay Leno, the legendary comedian and former late-night television host, is taking steps to prepare for the future and secure his legacy. After decades of entertaining millions on The Tonight Show and building a career that spans over forty years, Leno is now focused on making thoughtful end-of-life plans. True to his lifelong passion, a significant portion of his wealth will be dedicated to preserving his vast and valuable collection of cars and motorcycles, ensuring that they remain protected long after he’s gone. Known for his humor and resilience, Leno acknowledges the inevitable by saying, “No one lives forever,” and is making sure that both his wife Mavis and his prized possessions are taken care of when the time comes.

Following his departure from late-night TV, Leno channeled his energy into his other great love: cars. In 2015, he launched Jay Leno’s Garage as a web series on NBC.com, which ran until 2022. The series quickly became a fan favorite and evolved into a successful YouTube channel that now boasts over 3.7 million subscribers. Through the show, Leno shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for cars and motorcycles, giving viewers an inside look at his famous garage and his remarkable vehicle collection. However, his devotion to cars has not come without risk. In November 2022, Leno was badly injured while working under a car in his Burbank, California garage. A gasoline fire ignited, resulting in severe third-degree burns on his face and hands. The injuries were so serious that he later required reconstructive surgery, including a new left ear after losing the original in the fire. Despite the severity of his injuries, Leno remained upbeat, telling Variety, “I am OK. Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.”

Unfortunately, that accident was not the end of his troubles. Only two months later, Leno was involved in a motorcycle crash that left him with a broken collarbone, two cracked ribs, and two cracked kneecaps. Although these incidents were major setbacks, Leno continued to push forward. Through it all, his greatest source of strength has been his wife, Mavis, whom he married in 1980. Despite dealing with his own injuries and aging body, Leno remains deeply committed to his wife, especially as her health has declined in recent years.

Mavis, now 77 years old, was diagnosed with dementia, and her condition has worsened rapidly. In April 2024, Leno was granted conservatorship over Mavis’ estate by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, who deemed the action “necessary and appropriate.” According to court documents obtained by Entertainment Tonight, Mavis has been progressively losing her cognitive abilities and is often disoriented in both time and space. Her neurologist, Dr. Hart Cohen of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, explained in his statement that Mavis sometimes does not recognize Jay or remember her date of birth. Despite the heartbreaking decline, Cohen noted that Leno “loves his wife very much” and “treats [Mavis] like gold,” further highlighting Leno’s unwavering devotion to his partner of over four decades.

As Mavis’ condition has deteriorated, Leno has taken responsible steps to ensure her well-being through comprehensive estate planning. According to legal filings, Leno has arranged for the couple to remain in their home for as long as reasonably possible, with the necessary support from household employees and caregivers. If Leno were to pass first, their estate will be divided into the Leno Marital Trust, which will include his prized Leno Collection and any related real estate. The trust will be irrevocable and will ensure that the surviving spouse has access to all income generated by the estate, as well as additional funds for reasonable support. Once both Jay and Mavis have passed, the remaining balance—after taxes—will be distributed according to the terms of the Leno Trust to JDM, their designated beneficiary.

The Leno Collection, which includes more than 180 automobiles and motorcycles, is valued at over $52 million. Jay has always been passionate about preserving automotive history, and his estate plan guarantees that his collection will be safeguarded for future generations to appreciate. As he prepares for the next chapter, Leno’s careful planning reflects his deep sense of responsibility—not only for Mavis, but also for the legacy he has built over a lifetime. In his own words, “No one lives forever,” but through his thoughtful arrangements, Jay Leno’s legacy certainly will.