See Photos of Jay Leno and Wife Mavis Through the Years, as the Long-Term Couple Marks 45 Years of Marriage Today
- - See Photos of Jay Leno and Wife Mavis Through the Years, as the Long-Term Couple Marks 45 Years of Marriage Today
Stephanie SengweNovember 30, 2025 at 8:00 PM
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Joseph Del Valle/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Mavis Leno and Jay Leno
For decades, Jay Leno was one of the biggest voices in late-night television.
However, as successful as he may have gotten, the famed host always maintained the person who kept him going was his wife, Mavis Leno.
The pair met in the '70s, after Leno at the iconic Comedy Store. He "wasn't very good at dating," and she "had this idea that I would never get married," but all that changed once their paths crossed.
The couple wed on Nov. 30, 1980, which was also the anniversary of Jay's parents' wedding and have been going strong since. The two chose not to have children and dedicated their lives to each other, their careers as well as philanthropic endeavors.
In 2024, Jay filed to be the conservator for his wife after she was diagnosed with dementia. His request was granted in April, and he's been her caretaker since.
"I've been very lucky in my life. My wife is fighting dementia and all that, but it's not cancer. It's not a tumor, so I enjoy taking care of her," he told PEOPLE earlier this month.
He reiterated the sentiment while on the Today show, stating, “Now she really needs me and I like that. And I can tell she appreciates it. The idea that you get married, you take these vows, nobody ever thinks they’ll be called upon to act on them. You know that part — for better or worse. Even the worse isn’t that bad.”
As the Lenos mark 45 years of marriage, look back at some of their public appearances over the years.
01 of 14
In the Beginning
Betty Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Jay Leno and Mavis Leno
The lovebirds hit the party circuit while rocking some oh-so-'80s curls at Johnny Mathis' 25th anniversary party at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in New York in 1981.
02 of 14
On the Move
Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch via Getty
Jay Leno and Mavis Leno
The two kept close while attending a red carpet event in this undated shot from the early '90s.
03 of 14
Date Night at the Emmys
Ron Galella, Ltd.,/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Jay Leno and Mavis Leno
Mavis stunned in red as Jay kept it classic in a black and white tux for the 42nd annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 1990.
04 of 14
Big Celebrations
Joseph Del Valle/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Jay Leno and Mavis Leno
Mavis joined Jay, who often guest-hosted for Johnny Carson, on the New Year's Eve episode of The Tonight Show in 1990.
05 of 14
For a Good Cause
The Lenos were dressed to the nines as they walked hand-in-hand at a Carousel of Hope Ball benefit at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in 1994.
06 of 14
Celebrating Friends
Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Jay Leno and Mavis Leno
The couple was snapped handling some gifts while headed to Carrie Fisher's birthday party at her home in Beverly Hills in 1997.
07 of 14
All Smiles
Margaret C. Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Jay Leno and Mavis Leno
The couple was all smiles as they attended the 50th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 1998.
08 of 14
Take Your Wife to Work Day
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Jay Leno and Mavis Leno
Jay flexed his interviewing skills and got a laugh out of Mavis when she visited The Tonight Show in 1999.
09 of 14
Suited Up
Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Jay Leno and Mavis Leno
Jay and Mavis wore matching teal suits for a night on the town in the '90s.
10 of 14
Lots of Love
Kevin Winter/Getty
Jay Leno and Mavis Leno
For her appearance in 2001, Mavis planted a sweet kiss on her husband during the show.
11 of 14
Movies Biggest Night
Frazer Harrison/Getty
Jay Leno and Mavis Leno
The couple opted for coordinating, simple ensembles for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2005.
12 of 14
Oh, You!
Michael Buckner/Getty
Jay Leno and Mavis Leno
Mavis gave her playful husband a tap on the chest as they cheerfully made their way into the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
13 of 14
Keeping Close
Charley Gallay/Getty
Jay Leno and Mavis Leno
In 2022, Jay and Mavis attended the private unveiling of the Meyers Manx electric automobile at Little Beach House Malibu.
14 of 14
Still the One
Amy Sussman/Getty
Jay Leno and Mavis Leno
With four decades under their belt, the Lenos appeared in good spirits at the premiere of Netflix's Unfrosted in 2024.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
