The dementia suffered by Mavis, Jay Leno’s beloved wife, is so advanced that she sometimes does not recognize him and does not remember his date of birth, new court documents found by DailyMail.com reveal.
The former Tonight Show host asked the Los Angeles Superior Court in January to be appointed guardian of Mavis, 77, because her condition prevents her from managing her own affairs.
And in a filing this week supporting Leno’s petition, his court-appointed attorney, Ronald Ostrin, shed new light on Mavis’s declining mental capacity, which has brought sadness to the otherwise 43-year marriage. “perfect” couple.
“According to (Mavis’) neurologist, Dr. Hart Cohen, she has advanced dementia and sometimes doesn’t know her husband Jay or his birth date,” Ostrin says.
“She is very disoriented, she reflects on her parents, who have already died, and on her mother, who died about 20 years ago.”
A court-appointed attorney for Mavis Leno, wife of legendary comedian and talk show host Jay Leno, has backed her requests for guardianship as his wife’s health has continued to decline due to Alzheimer’s.
The former Tonight Show host asked the Los Angeles Superior Court in January to be appointed guardian of Mavis, 77, because her condition prevents her from managing her own affairs.
In a filing this week supporting Leno’s petition, his court-appointed attorney, Ronald Ostrin, shed new light on Mavis’s declining mental capacity, which has brought sadness to the otherwise “perfect” 43-year marriage. “, from the couple.
Dr. Cohen, who was called in to treat Mavis after she was in a car accident in 2018, told Ostrin that Leno, 73, “loves his wife very much and wanted to raise this matter out of respect for her.”
“She said Mr. Leno is a very nice man and treats Mavis like gold.”
Attorney Ostrin says he reviewed all of Dr. Cohen’s medical records, including details about prescription medications she is already taking “for the care and treatment of significant neurocognitive disorders (including dementia),” before speaking privately with Mavis herself.
“We had a long opportunity to talk to each other and we talked about his wishes and desires about the procedure (the guardianship) and about his testamentary wishes,” he writes.
‘EM. Leno was a charming person and although it was clear that he had cognitive impairment, he still has a charming personality and could communicate.
‘She expressed her desire to vote and told me a little about her philanthropic work.
“He had great faith and trust in Mr. Leno and relied on him for protection and guidance.”
After completing his investigation into Mavis’ condition and also interviewing Leno, Ostrin supported the comedian’s conservatorship motion that is scheduled to be heard April 9 in a downtown Los Angeles court.
A doctor who was called to treat Mavis after she was in a car accident in 2018 told Ostrin that Leno, 73, “loves his wife very much and wanted to raise this issue out of respect for her.”
Attorney Ostrin says he reviewed all of Dr. Cohen’s medical records, including details about prescription medications she is already taking “for the care and treatment of significant neurocognitive disorders (including dementia),” before speaking privately with Mavis herself.
Dr. Cohen, who was called in to treat Mavis after she was in a car accident in 2018, told Ostrin that Leno, 73, “loves his wife very much and wanted to raise this matter out of respect for her.”
‘Mister. and Ms. Leno have a long-standing, loving and supportive relationship,” she says. ‘They have sufficient resources to provide Ms. Leno with a safe and less restrictive environment. Ms. Leno seemed very happy in her welcoming environment.
‘However, no one lives forever and the actions taken by Mr. Leno are necessary for his and Mavis’ protection.
‘Estate planning is something that almost everyone needs, but by the time you need it, if you don’t have it, it’s too late to get it. This petition is designed to give Mavis that protection with the protection of judicial oversight.
‘Mavis does not object to the petition or to Mr. Leno acting as her guardian outside of her estate. She spoils her and loves him. Mr. Leno is her protector and she trusts him.
“Based on my interaction with Mr. Leno, as well as some research, he appears to be a serious guy and his private persona matches the public persona he projects.”
In recommending that the court appoint Jay as his wife’s guardian, Ostrin adds: “The primary purpose of the petition is to be able to protect Mavis if something happens to Mr. Leno, but otherwise provide the least disruption to the family’s lifestyle.” Mrs. Leto and to preserve her dignity and ensure her safety.
“It is a prudent thing to do and Mavis’s cognitive ability at this time will at least allow her to provide information about her testamentary wishes that can inform the estate planning process.”
In a brief exclusive interview with DailyMail.com in January, just after filing for conservatorship, Leno said of Mavis: “She’s fine, everyone’s fine, we’re doing well.” I just made a will, in case something happens.
Mavis Leno and Jay Leno attend the 60th anniversary at The Improv at Hollywood Improv in November, when Jay began seeking conservatorship.
Mavis Leno returns to the hospital to visit her husband Jay Leno after the horrific car accident he suffered last year.
In their court filing, Leno’s attorneys said Mavis “lacks the necessary capacity to execute the estate plan” due to her “severe neurocognitive disorders (including dementia).”
The legal documents describe him as in a “loving marriage for more than 43 years” to his wife, noting that he “has always managed the couple’s finances” and wanted to ensure that she “has managed sufficient assets to cover his care in the event of that Jay passed away earlier. Mavis
‘Jay is fully capable of continuing to support Mavis’ physical and financial needs as he has throughout their marriage.
“Jay wishes to execute an estate plan, including a revocable trust and will, that will cover Mavis and Mavis’ brother and his only living heir other than Jay.”