Jay Leno, the legendary comedian and former late-night talk show host, has entertained millions for decades. Known for his quick wit, distinctive voice, and deep love for cars, Leno has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. But now, at 74 years old, the iconic figure is preparing for his final curtain call. As Leno makes end-of-life arrangements, he is ensuring that his legacy will live on, particularly through his beloved car collection—a passion that has brought him immense joy, and at times, significant danger.

A Passion for Cars and a Life of Close Calls

Leno’s love for cars is no secret, and it’s a passion that has shaped much of his public and private life. But this passion has also brought him peril. In November 2022, Leno suffered severe burns when a fire broke out in his Burbank garage. While working under a car, a gasoline fire ignited, causing third-degree burns on his face and requiring extensive reconstructive surgery, including the replacement of his left ear.

Just when it seemed that Leno was on the road to recovery, he experienced another life-threatening incident. Only two months later, he was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him with a broken collarbone, two cracked ribs, and two fractured kneecaps. Despite these close calls, Leno’s passion for cars and motorcycles has remained unshaken. Through it all, he continued to share his love for vehicles with fans via his popular web series, Jay Leno’s Garage, which boasts over 3.7 million subscribers on YouTube.

Facing Health Challenges and Planning for the Future

As Leno confronts the realities of aging and the toll these accidents have taken on his body, he has turned his focus to securing his legacy. His health struggles have made it clear that no one, not even a comedy giant, is immune to the passage of time. But amidst these challenges, one constant in Leno’s life has been his deep love for his wife, Mavis.

Mavis and Jay Leno, married in 1980, have spent over four decades together. However, their relationship has faced a new challenge: Mavis’s declining health. Diagnosed with dementia, her condition has worsened rapidly, prompting Leno to take legal steps to ensure her well-being.

Mavis Leno’s Declining Health and Conservatorship

In April 2024, a Los Angeles Superior Court granted Jay Leno conservatorship over Mavis’s estate, a decision described as “necessary and appropriate.” Court documents reveal that Mavis has been progressively losing her sense of time and space, to the point where she sometimes no longer recognizes her own husband. Despite these heart-wrenching changes, Leno remains devoted to ensuring she receives the best possible care.

End-of-Life Arrangements and Securing His Legacy

With Mavis’s condition deteriorating, Leno has also begun making end-of-life arrangements for both her and himself. Aware that “no one lives forever,” Leno is taking proactive steps to ensure that his wealth and legacy are managed according to his wishes. His primary focus is on securing Mavis’s care, with his estate plan ensuring that she can remain in their home with the necessary support from caregivers and household employees.

If Leno passes away first, his estate will be divided into a marital trust. A significant portion of his legacy will include the Leno Collection, his prized car and motorcycle collection valued at over $52 million. This extensive collection is a testament to Leno’s lifelong passion for automobiles and one of the largest and most diverse private collections in the world.

The Leno Collection: A Museum in the Making

As part of his estate plan, Leno has made provisions for the Leno Collection to be housed in a museum, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from his impressive array of vehicles. The museum will be overseen by the JDM Foundation, a charity Leno founded in 1988. The foundation has already named three directors who will be responsible for managing the museum, with the goal of keeping Leno’s passion for cars alive for years to come.

Leaving a Legacy for Loved Ones

Jay Leno granted conservatorship over wife Mavis after dementia diagnosis https://t.co/SXoK8WepSk pic.twitter.com/wY4gLkLfaz

— Page Six (@PageSix) April 10, 2024

In addition to his plans for Mavis and his car collection, Leno has also made provisions for his family. He is leaving $7 million to Mavis’s brother, Rikki Nicholson, and his nephew, Richard Leno, ensuring that those closest to him are taken care of. These bequests reflect Leno’s generosity and deep commitment to his loved ones, a side of him that has often been overshadowed by his public persona as a comedian.

A Tribute to His Lifelong Love for Cars

It’s difficult to imagine a world without Jay Leno—the man who brought laughter into millions of homes through his late-night shows. But as he prepares for his final days, Leno’s meticulous planning shows that he is as thoughtful and detail-oriented in death as he has been in life. His decision to leave behind a museum dedicated to his car collection speaks volumes about his desire to share his passion with the world, even after he is gone.

This museum will serve as a lasting tribute to a man who has spent his life not just as a comedian, but as a car enthusiast whose love for vehicles has become as much a part of his identity as his comedy.

Caption this 👇️ pic.twitter.com/xqqBsDJZOB

— Jay Leno's Garage (@LenosGarage) October 22, 2022

As Jay Leno prepares to say goodbye, he does so with a legacy that will endure far beyond his time. From his groundbreaking career in late-night television to his unmatched passion for cars, Leno has left an indelible mark on the world. His careful planning ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire and bring joy to future generations.

Though the thought of a world without Jay Leno is a somber one, his life’s work—both in comedy and in his love for automobiles—will live on. Whether through the laughs he sparked night after night or the cars he so lovingly curated, Jay Leno’s legacy will continue to bring smiles and inspire passions for years to come.