At 74, Jay Leno planning for death, leaves chunk of cash to cars – ‘no one lives forever’

After decades in the limelight as the host of late-night television, Jay Leno is approaching his final curtain call.

The 74-year-old car enthusiast is making preparations for the end of his life, planning to leave a substantial amount of money to a museum dedicated to automobiles, a passion that nearly claimed his life twice.

Continue reading to discover what the comedian has in store!

After stepping down from his successful career as a late-night talk show host, Jay Leno launched a web series on NBC.com (2015-2022) focused on automobiles.

“Jay Leno’s Garage,” now boasting over 3.7 million subscribers on YouTube, enables the comedian to share his love for cars and motorcycles with his audience.

In November 2022, the former “Tonight Show” host suffered severe burns when a fire erupted in his Burbank, California garage.

“I sustained serious burns from a gasoline fire,” Leno told Variety at the time. “I’m okay. I just need a week or two to get back on my feet.”

According to reports, the now 74-year-old was working under a car when the fire ignited. He suffered third-degree burns to his face and underwent surgery to reconstruct his left ear after losing it in the blaze.

Regrettably, his misfortune didn’t end there.

Just two months after the fire, Leno sustained a broken collarbone, two fractured ribs, and two fractured kneecaps in a motorcycle accident.

‘Treats Mavis Like Gold’

Despite his body being ravaged by age, accidents related to his passion, and high cholesterol, one constant in his life is his unwavering love for Mavis, whom he married in 1980.

“I always tell guys when they meet a woman, ‘Marry your conscience. Marry someone who’s the person you wish you could be, and it works out okay,’” Leno shared with People, speaking of his enduring love for Mavis, now 77.

After 45 years together, the childless couple began facing some challenges.

Mavis was diagnosed with dementia, and her condition has been rapidly deteriorating.

In April 2024, Leno was granted conservatorship over his wife’s estate by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge who deemed the measure “necessary and appropriate.”

Court documents obtained by Entertainment Tonight reveal, “Mavis has been progressively losing capacity and orientation to space and time for several years.”

The filing also notes, “Jay is fully capable of continuing support for Mavis’ physical and financial needs, as he has throughout their marriage,” but her “current condition renders her incapable of executing the estate plan.”

Included in the documents is a statement from her neurologist, Dr. Cohen: “Sometimes [Mavis] does not recognize her husband, Jay, nor her own date of birth.”

Cohen, Mavis’ attending physician at Cedars-Sinai, adds that Leno “loves his wife very much” and “treats [Mavis] like gold.”

‘No One Lives Forever’

Just months later, In Touch reports that Leno is now preparing for his own death, making end-of-life arrangements to ensure his wealth is distributed to the rightful beneficiaries.

The filing states: “No one lives forever, and the actions taken by Mr. Leno are reasonable and necessary for his and Mavis’ protection. Mavis does not object to the petition and, in my opinion, consents to it. Mr. Leno is her protector, and she trusts him. This estate planning is in her best interest and safeguards her interests.”

Leno’s latest filing details provisions for Mavis’ care and discloses that the couple intends to remain in their home “for as long as reasonably possible,” utilizing their resources for “assistance from household employees or caregivers as may be necessary.”

If Leno passes away first, “the estate will be divided into the Leno Marital Trust… it will include the Leno Collection and any real property housing the Leno Collection. It will be irrevocable, and the survivor will receive all income, plus principal for reasonable support. After the survivor’s death, the after-tax balance will be distributed, along with the Leno Trust, to JDM.”

The Leno Collection, which encompasses Leno’s collection of automobiles and motorcycles, is valued at over $52 million, along with any real property.

Leno has also instructed the JDM Foundation, a charity he founded in 1988, to establish a museum with his automobile collection, and he has already named the three initial directors.

Additionally, Leno is leaving $7 million to Mavis’ brother, Rikki Nicholson, who lives next door, and to his nephew, Richard Leno.

The court-appointed official indicated that Leno’s amendments to the trust would likely be approved.

It’s difficult to envision a world without Jay Leno! Please share your thoughts and help send Leno and Mavis some love by sharing this story!