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For decades,Jay Lenowas one of the biggest voices in late-night television.
However, as successful as he may have gotten, the famed host always maintained the person who kept him going was his wife,Mavis Leno.
The pair met in the '70s, after Leno at the iconic Comedy Store. He "wasn't very good at dating," and she "had this idea that I would never get married," but all that changed once their paths crossed.
The couple wed on Nov. 30, 1980, which was also the anniversary of Jay's parents' wedding and have been going strong since. The two chose not to have children and dedicated their lives to each other, their careers as well as philanthropic endeavors.
In 2024, Jay filed to be the conservator for his wifeafter she was diagnosed with dementia. Hisrequest was grantedin April, and he's been her caretaker since.
"I've been very lucky in my life. My wife is fighting dementia and all that, but it's not cancer. It's not a tumor, so I enjoy taking care of her," hetold PEOPLE earlier this month.
He reiterated the sentiment while on theTodayshow, stating, "Now she really needs me and I like that. And I can tell she appreciates it. The idea that you get married, you take these vows, nobody ever thinks they'll be called upon to act on them. You know that part — for better or worse. Even the worse isn't that bad."
As the Lenos mark 45 years of marriage, look back at some of their public appearances over the years.
In the Beginning
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The lovebirds hit the party circuit while rocking some oh-so-'80s curls at Johnny Mathis' 25th anniversary party at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in New York in 1981.
On the Move
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The two kept close while attending a red carpet event in this undated shot from the early '90s.
Date Night at the Emmys
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Mavis stunned in red as Jay kept it classic in a black and white tux for the 42nd annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 1990.
Big Celebrations
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Mavis joined Jay, who often guest-hosted for Johnny Carson, on the New Year's Eve episode ofThe Tonight Showin 1990.
For a Good Cause
The Lenos were dressed to the nines as they walked hand-in-hand at a Carousel of Hope Ball benefit at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in 1994.
Celebrating Friends
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The couple was snapped handling some gifts while headed to Carrie Fisher's birthday party at her home in Beverly Hills in 1997.
All Smiles
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The couple was all smiles as they attended the 50th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 1998.
Take Your Wife to Work Day
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Jay flexed his interviewing skills and got a laugh out of Mavis when she visitedThe Tonight Showin 1999.
Suited Up
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Jay and Mavis wore matching teal suits for a night on the town in the '90s.
Lots of Love
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For her appearance in 2001, Mavis planted a sweet kiss on her husband during the show.
Movies Biggest Night
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The couple opted for coordinating, simple ensembles for theVanity FairOscar Party in 2005.
Oh, You!
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Mavis gave her playful husband a tap on the chest as they cheerfully made their way into the 2009Vanity FairOscar Party.
Keeping Close
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In 2022, Jay and Mavis attended the private unveiling of the Meyers Manx electric automobile at Little Beach House Malibu.
Still the One
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With four decades under their belt, the Lenos appeared in good spirits at the premiere of Netflix'sUnfrostedin 2024.
Read the original article onPeople
