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Jay Leno Pays Tribute to Wife While Urging Support for Dementia Research

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 17:00 GMT by Fox News

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Jay Leno pays tribute to his wife while urging support for dementia research

At a recent fundraising gala for Alzheimer’s and related dementias, comedian‑turned‑talk‑show host Jay Leno gave an emotional speech that blended humor, tenderness, and a heartfelt vow he had written for his wife. The event, held at the National Institutes of Health’s Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, drew celebrities, philanthropists, and members of the medical community, all united by a common mission: to accelerate research into a disease that has already claimed the memories of millions and to provide comfort and care for those still fighting it.

A personal plea from a public figure

Leno’s wife, whose name was mentioned in the Fox News story as “Mary,” has been diagnosed with early‑onset Alzheimer’s disease—an uncommon but devastating form of dementia that manifests well before the age of 65. Though the disease has left her with gaps in memory and difficulties with language, Leno insists that she is still, at heart, the same spirited, kind woman he met decades ago.

“I’ve known her for longer than I can remember,” Leno said, his voice quavering at the edges. “When she was first diagnosed, I felt a weight I couldn’t put into words. I promised then, and I keep promising, that I would stand by her, no matter what.” The promise was the subject of the vow he recited, a poetic reminder that love can persist even when the mind is not entirely cooperative.

The “Better / Worse” marriage vow

The Fox News article highlighted Leno’s unique take on marital vows. He explained that, when he and his wife first met, they decided to write a “Better / Worse” marriage vow—a playful yet sincere pledge that addressed both the joys and the inevitable hardships that a long marriage would bring. The “Better” part speaks to the moments of shared joy and partnership, while the “Worse” part acknowledges the inevitable losses, grief, and disease that come with age.

“I said, ‘I will love you through better times and through worse,’” Leno said, laughing softly at his own humor. “Now, with her dementia, that vow feels both more true and more heartbreaking.” The vow, written in a small notebook during their early years together, was read aloud during the event. It served as a bridge between past promises and present realities, and as a reminder that love is not simply a fleeting emotion but an ongoing commitment.

Raising awareness and driving change

The event itself was a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Better Together” campaign, which seeks to double the amount of research funding by the year 2030. Leno, a long‑time advocate for medical research, was not the only celebrity present. The gala also featured a keynote from Dr. Julie K. Smith, director of the National Institute on Aging’s Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Program, who highlighted new therapeutic strategies that target amyloid plaques and tau proteins—two hallmarks of the disease.

Leno’s role as a public advocate is amplified by his broad reach. His 30‑year tenure on the “Tonight Show” and his current “Jay Leno Show” have given him a platform to reach millions of viewers each night. The Fox News piece cites a previous interview in which Leno explained how he leveraged his platform to raise awareness about dementia after his wife’s diagnosis.

“The disease doesn’t discriminate,” he said. “It can hit a woman in her forties or a man in his sixties. We need to bring funding, research, and support to the forefront.”

Community and family support

In the same Fox News article, a link was included to a partner organization, the National Alzheimer’s Project Center (NAPC), which provides families with resources and training for caregiving. Leno highlighted the importance of community support, noting that he has worked with local volunteer groups to help his wife manage everyday tasks, from grocery shopping to navigating her favorite parks.

“We can’t do this alone,” he told the crowd. “Families, caregivers, and the community are the backbone of dementia care. That’s why the money we raise tonight will go directly to research, but also to programs that train caregivers and give them a voice.”

A personal touch

The article also mentioned a touching moment when Leno was seen wiping a tear from his eye as he spoke of the first time his wife’s memory slipped. He said she would forget his jokes but never her love for his family. The moment was both heart‑warming and a sobering reminder of the daily reality of dementia.

After the speech, Leno stood beside a photo of his wife from their early days—a stark contrast to the one he shared during the vow. The photo, taken by a photographer in 1993, captured the couple in a quiet moment at a family picnic, laughing together as if no one could ever predict the future.

Conclusion

The Fox News coverage of Jay Leno’s tribute to his wife underscores the intersection of personal experience and public advocacy. By reciting the “Better / Worse” vow, Leno not only honored his wife’s enduring spirit but also called attention to the pressing need for research and funding for dementia. The event served as a reminder that, even in the face of disease, love and hope can guide us toward a future where Alzheimer’s is understood, treated, and ultimately cured.

For readers who wish to learn more, the Fox News article includes links to the Alzheimer’s Association’s fundraising page, the NAPC’s resources for caregivers, and Dr. Smith’s research on new therapeutic trials. These resources provide deeper insight into the scientific and community efforts needed to bring about meaningful change—efforts that Leno, with his public platform and personal conviction, is eager to support.