Heartbreaking new details have emerged about Jay Leno's wife Mavis's battle with dementia, as the comic files for conservatorship over her.
The 73-year-old star has been married to Mavis, 77, since 1980, and it was revealed in January that he planned to file for conservatorship after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Conservatorship is a "legal status where a court assigns a person to look after a minor's or incapacitated person's personal and financial affairs," as cited by Investopedia.
Now, new details have been revealed from court documents filed by the star, confirming that Mavis's dementia has progressed significantly.
According to the documents, obtained by Page Six, Mavis "sometimes does not know her husband […] nor her date of birth".
The filing states that Mavis's court-appointed counsel, Ronald Ostrin, revealed that, despite being in good spirits amid her diagnosis of "advanced dementia", her health has continued to decline.
He added that Mavis is a "delightful person" with "a charming personality", who can still "communicate" despite having clear "cognitive impairment".
Her counsel said of their meeting: "She expressed a desire to vote and told me a little about her philanthropic work. She reposed great faith and confidence in Mr. Leno and relied on him for her protection and guidance."
Her neurologist, Dr. Hart Cohen, stated that Mavis has "a lot of disorientation" and often speaks "about her parents who have both passed."
Ronald Ostrin added that Jay and Mavis "have a long-term, loving and supportive relationship" and the "resources" to provide her with a "safe and least restrictive environment", adding: "Ms. Leno seemed very happy in their cozy environment."
He added that Mavis "does not object" but rather "consents to" Jay's conservatorship filing, and "wants" it to be put into place for him to look after her affairs, which is why he formally recommended that it be approved.
As well as filing for conservatorship in January, Jay also set up a living trust for Mavis, to ensure she was looked after in case anything happened to him while she is alive.
Dr. Cohen also stated in the filing that Jay "loves his wife very much" and waited to apply for conservatorship until it was absolutely necessary "out of respect to her", adding that he is "such a nice man and treats [Mavis] like gold."
He added: "Based on my interaction with Mr. Leno, plus some research I have done, he seems to be a standup guy, and his private persona matches the public persona he projects."
Jay had addressed the conservatorship in January, telling the Daily Mail that he also "set up a will, in case something happens," however, assured the outlet that Mavis was "doing well," adding: "She’s fine. Everybody’s good. We’re doing well."
The couple has been married for 44 years and do not share any children. It is not currently known when Mavis was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and a hearing regarding the conservatorship will take place on April 9.
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