At 74, Jay Leno makes end-of-life plans, leaving a portion of wealth to vehicles – “no one lives forever.
Jay Leno, the late-night television host for decades, is preparing for his final curtain call. The 74-year-old motor enthusiast is making end-of-life plans and giving a large sum of money to a museum that honours automobiles, a love that nearly ki_ll_ed him twice.
Keep reading to learn what the comedian is planning!
After leaving behind his successful career as the host of late-night talk shows, Jay Leno launched a web series on nbc.com (2015 to 2022) about cars.
Jay Leno’s Garage, now appearing to more than 3.7 million subscribers on YouTube, allows the comedian to share his passion for cars and bikes with his audience.
In November 2022, the former Tonight Show host was severely injured when a fire broke out in his Burbank, California garage. “I got some serious burns from a petrol fire.” Leno told Variety at the time, “I am fine.” I just need a week or two to get back on my feet.
According to reports, the now 74-year-old man was working under a car when the fire sparked. He suffered third degree burns on his face and got a new left ear after losing his first one to the fire.
Unfortunately, his luck didn’t get any better.
Only two months after the fire, he had a broken collarbone, two cracked ribs and two damaged kneecaps in a motorbike a:cc:ident
‘Treats Mavis like gold’
Despite his body breaking down with aging, passion-related acc:idents and high cholesterol, the one thing that holds strong in his life is his love for Mavis, who he married in 1980.
“I always tell guys when they meet a woman, ‘Marry your conscience. Marry someone who’s the person you wish you could be and it works out okay.” Leno tells People of his enduring love with Mavis, now 77.
After 45 years together, the childless couple began to face some difficulties. Mavis was diagnosed with dementia, and her condition is rapidly deteriorating.
In April 2024, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge gave Leno conservatorship over his wife’s estate, ruling it “necessary and appropriate.”
According to court records obtained by Entertainment Tonight, “Mavis has been progressively losing capacity and orientation to space and time for several years.” According to the statement, “Jay is fully capable of continuing support for Mavis’ physical and financial needs, as he has throughout their marriage,” however her “current condition renders her incapable of executing the estate plan.”
Included in the documents is a statement from her neurologist Dr. Cohen: “Sometimes [Mavis] does not know her husband, Jay, nor her date of birth.”
Cohen, Mavis’ attending doctor at Cedars Sinai, adds that Leno “loves his wife very much” and “treats [Mavis] like gold.”
‘No one lives forever’
Only months later, In Touch reports that Leno is now preparing for his own d_ea_th, making end-of-life arrangements so his fortunes are delivered to the rightful beneficiaries.
The filing reads: “No one lives forever, and the actions taken by Mr. Leno are reasonable and necessary for his and Mavis’ protection. Mavis does not object to the petition and in my opinion consents to it. Mr. Leno is her protector, and she trusts him. This estate planning is in her best interest and protects her interests.”
Leno’s most recent declaration outlines plans for Mavis’ care and states that the pair intends to stay in their home “for as long as reasonably possible,” using their money for “assistance from household employees or carers as may be necessary.” If Leno di-es first, his assets will be divided into the Leno Marital Trust, which will own the Leno Collection and any real property that houses it.
It will be irrevocable, with the survivor receiving all income plus the principal for reasonable support. Following the survivor’s dea::th, the after-tax amount, combined with the Leno Trust, will be transferred to JDM. The Leno Collection is Leno’s collection of automobiles and motorcycles, valued at about $52 million, as well as any real property.
Leno also instructed the JDM Foundation, a charity he launched in 1988, to open a museum with his automobile collection, and he’s already named the three initial directors.
In addition, Leno is leaving $7 million to Mavis’ brother Rikki Nicholson, who lives next door, and to his nephew Richard Leno.
The court-appointed official said Leno’s amendments to the trust will likely be approved.
