Jay Leno says being a caregiver for his wife of 45 years, Mavis Leno, following her diagnosis of advanced dementia gives him "purpose."

“My wife’s got some problems, so it’s just her and I. But it’s always been her and I for the last 45 years anyway, so it’s fine. I enjoy taking care of her. It’s fun,” the former "Tonight Show" host, 75, recently told People .

“People think, ‘Oh, it must be horrible.’ No, because she’s not in any pain. She’s not suffering,” he continued of Mavis Leno, 79. “It’s not like a tumor or cancer. It’s just a confusion that comes with Alzheimer’s and dementia. And that’s okay.”

“I enjoy being her rock. It makes you feel wanted. You got a purpose now. So it’s good," he added.

Mavis Leno and Jay Leno on April 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. Steve Granitz / FilmM

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