At 74, Jay Leno planning for death, leaves chunk of cash to cars

Jay Leno, the 74-year-old comedian and former host of “The Tonight Show,” is preparing for his farewell from the spotlight. With a passion for cars that has shaped much of his life and career, Leno is now making end-of-life arrangements and planning a significant donation to a museum dedicated to automobiles.

After concluding his late-night television career, Leno transitioned to a web series called “Jay Leno’s Garage,” where he shared his love for cars and motorcycles with his audience. The series, which ran from 2015 to 2022, gained over 3.7 million YouTube subscribers.

In November 2022, Leno suffered severe burns from a fire that broke out in his garage in Burbank, California. He was working under a car when the accident occurred, resulting in third-degree burns and the loss of his left ear. Just two months later, Leno was involved in a motorcycle accident, sustaining a broken collarbone, cracked ribs, and fractured kneecaps.

Despite these health challenges, Leno’s love for his wife, Mavis, remains steadfast. The couple, who married in 1980 and chose not to have children, has faced new difficulties as Mavis, now 77, battles dementia. In April 2024, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge granted Leno conservatorship over Mavis’ inheritance, citing her declining health and diminished mental capacity.

Court documents reveal that Mavis has been gradually losing awareness of time, space, and even her husband, Jay. Her neurologist, Dr. Cohen, notes that despite her condition, Leno has continued to care for her with unwavering devotion.

Leno is also making preparations for his own passing. In recent filings, he outlined provisions for Mavis’ care and detailed how their estate should be managed. The estate will be divided into the Leno Marital Trust, which includes Leno’s $52 million car and motorcycle collection. After both Leno and Mavis pass, the remaining assets will be transferred to the JDM Foundation, a nonprofit Leno founded in 1988. The foundation will establish a museum to showcase his prized car collection.

Leno also plans to leave $7 million to his nephew Richard Leno and Mavis’s brother, Rikki Nicholson, who lives nearby. The court is expected to approve Leno’s trust revisions.

As Leno prepares to step away from the public eye, it’s hard to imagine a world without his humor and passion for cars. Let’s share this story and send our warmest wishes to Jay and Mavis Leno as they navigate this challenging time.