Jay Leno, the beloved 74-year-old comedian and former host of The Tonight Show, is getting ready to step away from the public eye. Famous for his deep love of cars, Leno is making thoughtful end-of-life plans, which include a generous donation to a car museum.
After leaving late-night television, Leno launched his web series, Jay Leno’s Garage (2015-2022), where he shared his passion for automobiles. The series gained over 3.7 million subscribers on YouTube, showcasing Leno’s impressive car collection. However, his life took a challenging turn in late 2022, when he endured serious burns from a garage fire, followed by a motorcycle accident that caused multiple injuries.
In spite of these health struggles, Leno continues to be a dedicated husband to his wife, Mavis, who is now battling dementia. A Los Angeles judge recently granted him conservatorship over her inheritance due to her worsening health and cognitive decline. According to her neurologist, Mavis is slowly losing her awareness, but Leno remains by her side, caring for her with unwavering love and support.
As Leno prepares for the future, he has arranged to donate his $52 million car collection to a museum through his nonprofit organization, the JDM Foundation. He also plans to leave $7 million to his nephew and Mavis’s brother.
Leno’s legacy, both as a comedian and a car enthusiast, will continue to inspire, even as he takes these steps toward a quieter life.
