Jay Leno, the beloved former late-night talk show host, has spent decades captivating audiences with his wit and charm. But as he approaches the twilight of his life, Leno is focusing on preserving his other great passion – his extensive car collection.
With a staggering collection valued at over $52 million, Leno is taking meticulous steps to ensure his automotive legacy lives on long after he’s gone.
Leno’s love for cars and motorcycles is well-documented, but it’s also a passion that has nearly cost him his life on more than one occasion.
In 2022, a fire in his Burbank garage left him with severe burns, requiring reconstructive surgery. Just months later, a motorcycle accident left him with a broken collarbone, cracked ribs, and fractured kneecaps. Despite these close calls, Leno’s passion for vehicles never wavered.
Leno’s car collection is one of the largest and most diverse private collections in the world. From vintage classics to cutting-edge supercars, the Leno Collection is a true automotive wonderland.
As part of his end-of-life arrangements, Leno has instructed that the collection be housed in a museum, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from his extensive collection.
While Leno’s car collection is a significant part of his legacy, he’s also focused on ensuring his wife, Mavis, is cared for. Diagnosed with dementia, Mavis’s condition has rapidly worsened, prompting Leno to take legal action to protect her wellbeing. Leno’s estate plan includes provisions for Mavis’s care, ensuring she can remain in their home for as long as possible.
In addition to his plans for the Leno Collection and Mavis’s care, Leno has also made provisions for his family members. He is leaving $7 million to Mavis’s brother and his nephew, ensuring that his loved ones are taken care of even after he’s gone.
Jay Leno granted conservatorship over wife Mavis after dementia diagnosis https://t.co/SXoK8WepSk pic.twitter.com/wY4gLkLfaz
— Page Six (@PageSix) April 10, 2024
Caption this 👇️ pic.twitter.com/xqqBsDJZOB
— Jay Leno's Garage (@LenosGarage) October 22, 2022
Caption this 👇️ pic.twitter.com/xqqBsDJZOB
— Jay Leno's Garage (@LenosGarage) October 22, 2022
As Jay Leno prepares to say goodbye, he’s doing so with the same meticulous care and attention to detail that defined his career. From his groundbreaking work in late-night television to his unmatched passion for cars, Leno has left an indelible mark on the world. His end-of-life arrangements are not just about distributing wealth; they’re about ensuring that the things he loves, and the people he cares about, are looked after long after he’s gone. Jay Leno’s legacy will continue to inspire and bring joy to future generations, a testament to a life well-lived.