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8 months ago
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Jay Leno has been officially granted conservatorship of his wife Mavis Leno due to her ongoing battle with dementia.
People reported that during a hearing earlier today at Los Angeles Superior Court, Mavis' lawyer said she was in agreement with the conservatorship.
The ex-Tonight Show host petitioned Los Angeles Superior Court in January to be appointed her conservator because her condition makes her unable to handle her own affairs.
In court on Tuesday the judge agreed, saying: 'I think she's in the least restrictive environment. I think she's in very good care with Mr. Leno.'
The outlet reported that she addressed Leno, 73, saying: 'Everything you're doing is right. I totally under this is a difficult period', before confirming he was fit to be her conservator.
The ex-Tonight Show host petitioned Los Angeles Superior Court in January to be appointed her conservator. The couple are seen here last week
The couple are seen in one of their earlier photos from 1979 as they attend the taping of The Merv Griffin Show in Beverly Hills
The couple have been married for 43 years after tying the knot in 1980
Leno also told the court that he was in the process of estate planning and inspecting his wife's will.
In a filing last week that supported Leno's petition, her attorney Ronald Ostrin said her diminishing mental capacity had brought sadness to their otherwise 'perfect' marriage of 43 years.
‘According to (Mavis’) neurologist, Dr. Hart Cohen, she has advanced dementia, sometimes does not know her husband Jay, nor her date of birth,’ Ostrin said.
’She has lots of disorientation, will ruminate about her parents who have both passed and her mother who died about 20 years ago.’
Dr. Cohen told Ostrin that Leno, 73, ‘Loves his wife very much and wanted to bring this matter out of respect to her.
Ostrin says he reviewed all of Dr. Cohen’s medical records before talking privately with Mavis herself.
‘We had a long opportunity to speak with each other and we spoke about her wishes and desires about the proceeding (the conservatorship) and about her testamentary wishes,’ he writes.
‘Ms. Leno was a delightful person, and although it was clear she had cognitive impairment, she still has a charming personality and could communicate.'
Dr. Cohen added: 'She expressed a desire to vote and told me a little about her philanthropic work.
Mavis Leno, seen here in 2022, is said to be unable to handle her own affairs due to her condition
Leno told the court that he was in the process of estate planning and inspecting his wife's will. The couple are seen here in August 2022
’She reposed great faith and confidence in Mr. Leno and relied on him for her protection and guidance.’
After completing his investigation of Mavis’ condition and also interviewing Leno, Ostrin backed the comedian’s conservatorship motion.
In a brief exclusive interview with DailyMail.com in January, just after he filed for the conservatorship, Leno said of Mavis, 'She's fine, everybody's good, we're doing well. I just set up a will, in case something happens.'
In his court filing, Leno’s attorneys said Mavis 'lacks the necessary capacity to execute the estate plan' due to her 'major neurocognitive disorders (including dementia)'.
The legal papers added: 'Jay is fully capable of continuing his support for Mavis's physical and financial needs as he has throughout their marriage.
'Jay desires to execute an estate plan, including a revocable trust and will, which will provide for Mavis and Mavis's brother and her sole living heir aside from Jay.'
The couple were spotted attending his comedy show in West Hollywood last week, being pictured holding heads while leaving The Improv.
The couple, dressed in casual outfits, seemed to be in high spirits before driving away in Jay's red sports car.
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