Jay Leno "enjoys" taking care of his wife Mavis as she battles advanced dementia

Jay - who married Mavis, 79, in 1980 - told People: "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 tumour, so I enjoy taking care of her.

"It's not work, because people come up, and say they feel so sorry. I understand the sympathy, because I know a lot of people are going through it, but it's OK.

"I like taking care of her. I enjoy her company, and we have a good time. We have fun with it, and it is what it is."

However, the 75-year-old star said there are times that will be difficult, but Jay is fortunate to be in a position where he can afford to look after Mavis and her medical bills.

Jay - who is worth a reported $450 million - added: "There are going to be a couple of years that are tricky. So, the first 46, really great. But it's OK. It's not terrible. I'm not a woe-is-me person. I'm just lucky that I am able to take care of her.

"I'm very lucky. I enjoy her company. As soon as this ride's over, I'm going home and I'll make her lunch."

Jay is referring to his role of grand marshal for Love Ride - Harley-Davidson's charity motorcycle ride, which has raised more than $25 million for charities since it was founded in 1984.

In April 2024, Jay was granted conservatorship of his and Mavis' joint estate when Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny - who oversaw Britney Spears' high-profile conservatorship battle back in 2021 - agreed a conservatorship of the estate was a "suitable" way forward.

Judge Penny noted that Mavis is "receiving excellent care with her husband, Mr. Leno".