Jay Leno, the legendary comedian and former late-night talk show host, has entertained millions for decades. Known for his quick wit, distinctive voice, and deep love for cars, Leno has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. But now, at 74 years old, the iconic figure is preparing for his final curtain call.
As he makes end-of-life arrangements, Leno is ensuring that his legacy will live on long after he’s gone, particularly through his beloved car collection—a passion that has nearly cost him his life more than once. Leno’s love for cars is well-known, and it’s a passion that has brought him immense joy—and significant danger.
In November 2022, Leno suffered severe burns when a fire broke out in his Burbank garage. While working under a car, a gasoline fire ignited, causing third-degree burns on his face and requiring him to undergo reconstructive surgery, including getting a new left ear. Just when it seemed he was on the road to recovery, Leno faced another life-threatening incident. Only two months later, he was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him with a broken collarbone, two cracked ribs, and two fractured kneecaps.
Despite these close calls, Leno’s passion for cars and motorcycles never wavered. He continued to share his love for vehicles through his popular web series, Jay Leno’s Garage, which garnered over 3.7 million subscribers on YouTube. But as Leno faces the realities of aging and the toll these accidents have taken on his body, he is turning his focus to securing his legacy.
Amidst his health struggles, one thing remains constant in Leno’s life—his deep love for his wife, Mavis. The couple, who married in 1980, have spent over four decades together, weathering the ups and downs of life in the spotlight. But recently, their relationship has faced a new challenge: Mavis’s declining health. Diagnosed with dementia, Mavis’s condition has rapidly worsened, prompting Leno to take legal action to protect her well-being.
In April 2024, Leno was granted conservatorship over Mavis’s estate, a decision deemed “necessary and appropriate” by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge. According to court documents, Mavis has been progressively losing her sense of time and space, sometimes not even recognizing her husband. Despite these heartbreaking changes, Leno continues to care for Mavis with unwavering devotion, ensuring she receives the best possible care.
With Mavis’s condition worsening, Leno has begun making end-of-life arrangements, not just for her, but for himself as well. Aware that “no one lives forever,” Leno is taking steps to ensure that his fortune is distributed according to his wishes and that Mavis will be cared for even after he’s gone.
Leno’s estate plan includes provisions for Mavis’s care, ensuring that the couple can remain in their home for as long as possible, with the necessary support from household employees and caregivers. If Leno passes away first, the estate will be divided into a marital trust, with the Leno Collection—his prized car and motorcycle collection—becoming part of the trust.
Leno’s car collection, valued at over $52 million, is one of the largest and most diverse private collections in the world. From vintage classics to cutting-edge supercars, the collection is a testament to Leno’s lifelong passion for automobiles. As part of his estate plan, Leno has instructed that the Leno Collection be housed in a museum, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from his extensive collection.
The museum, which will be overseen by the JDM Foundation—a charity Leno founded in 1988—will serve as a lasting tribute to Leno’s love for cars. The foundation has already named the three initial directors who will be responsible for managing the museum and ensuring that Leno’s legacy continues to inspire car enthusiasts for years to come.
Jay Leno granted conservatorship over wife Mavis after dementia diagnosis https://t.co/SXoK8WepSk pic.twitter.com/wY4gLkLfaz
— Page Six (@PageSix) April 10, 2024
In addition to his plans for the Leno Collection, Jay Leno has also made provisions for his family members. He is leaving $7 million to Mavis’s brother, Rikki Nicholson, and his nephew, Richard Leno. These bequests ensure that his family is taken care of, reflecting Leno’s generosity and deep commitment to those he loves.
It’s hard to imagine a world without Jay Leno—the man who brought laughter into millions of homes night after night. But as he prepares for his final days, Leno is doing so with the same meticulous care and attention to detail that defined his career. His end-of-life arrangements are not just about distributing wealth; they’re about ensuring that the things he loves, and the people he cares about, are looked after long after he’s gone.
Caption this 👇️ pic.twitter.com/xqqBsDJZOB
— Jay Leno's Garage (@LenosGarage) October 22, 2022
Leno’s decision to leave behind a museum dedicated to his car collection speaks to his desire to share his passion with the world. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who has spent his life in the spotlight, not just as a comedian, but as a car enthusiast whose love for vehicles has been as much a part of his identity as his comedy.
As Jay Leno prepares to say goodbye, he does so with a legacy that will endure far beyond his time. From his groundbreaking career in late-night television to his unmatched passion for cars, Leno has left an indelible mark on the world. His careful planning ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire and bring joy to future generations. Though the thought of a world without Jay Leno is a sad one, his life’s work—both in comedy and in his love for automobiles—will live on, bringing smiles and sparking passions for years to come.
