Jay Leno, 74, is embracing his role as full-time caregiver to his wife of 45 years, Mavis, after she was diagnosed with dementia and he was granted conservatorship last year.

In a recent interview on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, the legendary comedian shared how he’s handling this new chapter in their lives.

“When you get married, you make a promise,” Leno reflected. “It’s not about running off when things get tough—it’s about staying true.” He added that their routine hasn’t changed drastically.

“We still spend our evenings together, I cook for her, we watch TV—it’s just now I take care of more things.”

Though the challenges are real—feeding, assisting, and supporting her daily—Leno finds meaning in being needed. “She’s always been fiercely independent, so I like that I can be there for her now,” he said.

The couple still share laughter, even in difficult moments. Leno joked about using flash cards to trigger memories, finding humor in her reactions. “It’s like we’re discovering things all over again,” he said.

Despite the emotional weight, Leno remains committed: “This is what love looks like. I’m glad I didn’t walk away. I’d rather be with her, even now, than anywhere else.”