The dementia Jay Leno’s beloved wife Mavis suffers from is so advanced that she sometimes doesn’t recognize him and doesn’t remember what her birthdate is, new court documents found by DailyMail.com reveal.
The ex-Tonight Show host petitioned Los Angeles Superior Court in January to be appointed 77-year-old Mavis’ conservator because her condition makes her unable to handle her own affairs.
In a filing this week supporting Leno’s petition, her court-appointed attorney, Ronald Ostrin, shed new light on Mavis’s diminishing mental capacity that has brought sadness to the couple’s otherwise ‘perfect’ marriage of 43 years.
‘According to (Mavis’) neurologist, Dr. Hart Cohen, she has advanced dementia, sometimes does not know her husband Jay, nor her date of birth,’ Ostrin said.
’She has lots of disorientation, will ruminate about her parents who have both passed and her mother who died about 20 years ago.’
A court-appointed lawyer for Mavis Leno, wife of legendary comedian and talk show host Jay Leno, has backed his claims for a conservatorship as his wife’s health has continued a decline due to Alzheimer’s
The ex-Tonight Show host petitioned Los Angeles Superior Court in January to be appointed 77- year-old Mavis’ conservator because her condition makes her unable to handle her own affairs
In a filing this week supporting Leno’s petition, her court-appointed attorney, Ronald Ostrin, shed new light on Mavis’s diminishing mental capacity which has brought sadness to the couple’s otherwise ‘perfect’ marriage of 43 years
Dr. Cohen – who was called in to treat Mavis after she had a car crash in 2018 – told Ostrin that Leno, 73, ‘Loves his wife very much and wanted to bring this matter out of respect to her.
‘He said that Mr. Leno is such a nice man and treats Mavis like gold.’
Ostrin says he reviewed all of Dr. Cohen’s medical records – including the details about the prescribed medications she is already taking ‘for the care and treatment of major neurocognitive disorders (including dementia)’ – before talking privately with Mavis herself.
‘We had a long opportunity to speak with each other and we spoke about her wishes and desires about the proceeding (the conservatorship) and about her testamentary wishes,’ he writes.
‘Ms. Leno was a delightful person, and although it was clear she had cognitive impairment, she still has a charming personality and could communicate.
’She expressed a desire to vote and told me a little about her philanthropic work.
’She reposed great faith and confidence in Mr. Leno and relied on him for her protection and guidance.’
After completing his investigation of Mavis’ condition and also interviewing Leno, Ostrin backed the comedian’s conservatorship motion which is scheduled to be heard April 9 at a downtown LA court.
A doctor who was called in to treat Mavis after she had a car crash in 2018 – told Ostrin that Leno, 73, ‘Loves his wife very much and wanted to bring this matter out of respect to her‘
Ostrin says he reviewed all of Dr. Cohen’s medical records – including the details about the prescribed medications she is already taking ‘for the care and treatment of major neurocognitive disorders (including dementia)’ – before talking privately with Mavis herself
Dr. Cohen – who was called in to treat Mavis after she had a car crash in 2018 – told Ostrin that Leno, 73, ‘Loves his wife very much and wanted to bring this matter out of respect to her
‘Mr. and Ms. Leno have a long-term, loving and supportive relationship,’ he says. ‘They have enough resources to give Ms. Leno a safe and least restrictive environment. Ms. Leno seemed very happy in their cozy environment.
‘However, no one lives forever and the actions taken by Mr. Leno are necessary for his and Mavis’ protection.
‘Estate planning is something that most everyone needs but by the time you need it, if you don’t have it, it is too late to get it. This petition is designed to give Mavis that protection with the protection of court supervision.
‘Mavis does not object to the petition nor as to Mr. Leno acting as her conservator off her estate She consents to it and wants that. Mr. Leno is her protector and she trusts him.
‘Based on my interaction with Mr. Leno, plus some research, he seems to be a standup guy and his private persona matches the public persona he projects.’
In recommending the court appoint Jay his wife’s conservator, Ostrin adds, ‘The main purpose of the petition is to be able to protect Mavis if something happens to Mr. Leno, but otherwise provide the least disturbance to Ms. let o’s lifestyle and to preserve her dignity and ensure her safety.
‘It is a prudent thing to do and Mavis’ cognitive ability at this time will at least let her provide input as to her testamentary wishes that can inform the estate planning process.’
In a brief exclusive interview with DailyMail.com in January, just after he filed for the conservatorship, Leno said of Mavis, ‘She’s fine, everybody’s good, we’re doing well. I just set up a will, in case something happens.’
Mavis and Jay attend the 60th Anniversary at The Improv at Hollywood Improv in November, when Jay began pursuing conservatorship
Mavis Leno back at the hospital visit husband Jay Leno after a horrific car accident he suffered last year
In his court filing, Leno’s attorneys said Mavis ‘lacks the necessary capacity to execute the estate plan’ due to her ‘major neurocognitive disorders (including dementia)’.
The legal papers describe him as having a ‘loving marriage for more than 43 years’ with his wife, noting he ‘has always handled the couple’s finances,’ and wanted to ensure she ‘has managed assets sufficient to provide for her care should Jay predecease Mavis
‘Jay is fully capable of continuing his support for Mavis’s physical and financial needs as he has throughout their marriage.
‘Jay desires to execute an estate plan, including a revocable trust and will, which will provide for Mavis and Mavis’s brother and her sole living heir aside from Jay.’