Jay Leno, 74, Prepares for Final Chapter with Estate Plans and Museum Donation
Veteran late-night host and car enthusiast Jay Leno is making end-of-life plans, including a major donation to an automobile museum. A love of cars that nearly killed him twice—once in a 2022 garage fire and again in a motorcycle accident just months later—remains central to his legacy.
After stepping down from The Tonight Show, Leno created Jay Leno’s Garage (2015–2022), a web series with over 3.7 million YouTube followers, where he shared his passion for vehicles.
Despite severe injuries and aging, Leno remains devoted to his wife Mavis, whom he married in 1980. Mavis, 77, was recently diagnosed with dementia, prompting a judge to grant Leno conservatorship of her estate in 2024. Her condition has worsened, and Leno has been managing her care with love and dedication.
Now, Leno is finalizing his estate to secure Mavis’ future. If he dies first, assets including his $52 million car collection will go into a marital trust supporting her. Upon her passing, the remainder will fund the JDM Foundation, which Leno founded in 1988. The foundation will open a museum featuring his car collection. He’s also leaving $7 million to family members.
Court officials say the estate plans are sound. Leno’s story is one of legacy, love, and enduring passion.