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Jay Leno is convinced conservatorship is the next step to take in his relationship with his wife, Mavis, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The word conservatorship leaves a bitter aftertaste, especially among pop culture enthusiasts. Why ever not, when Britney Spears’ bitter battle to break free from her dad’s hold for years made the rounds on the front pages at its peak? Hence, a term likened to guardianship has become synonymous with modern-day slavery and exploitation.
Jay Leno Files to Become His Wife’s Conservator
Yet, comedian Jay Leno deems the dreaded conservatorship the only way out for his wife, Mavis, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. The 77-year-old filed for control over his wife’s affairs. The filing, if granted, would put Jay in charge of his wife’s life and finances, including her estate, per the legal documents filed on Friday, January 26.
Jay Leno reportedly cited his wife’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis as the reason behind his conservatorship filing, having determined her incapable of making certain calls on her own. The timeline of Mavis Leno’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis remains uncertain. However, the couple has led a normal life up to this point, at least in the eye of the public. Last November, the duo graced a comedy show in Los Angeles together, beaming ear to ear as they posed for the cameras.
Why a Conservatorship May Not Be the Best Idea
Notably, the lovebirds, aged 73 and 77 respectively, have been married for over four decades, with no kids between them. Over the years, they’ve leaned on each other as pillars of support, sustaining their marriage through thick and thin, even without a conservatorship binding them. Hence, Jay Leno’s move to clinch the conservatorship has an edge of mystery. Then again, who better to take charge of his wife’s assets than her longtime partner, who already has a certain hold on her affairs? If the couple is opting for that move, then the pros must far outweigh the cons.
While Britney Spears’ conservatorship remains the most popularized in pop culture to date, several celebs have also found themselves caught in the web over the years. Stars like Amanda Bynes, Brian Wilson, Mikey Rooney, Randy Meisner, and Nichelle Nichols, among others, found themselves under conservatorship at some point.
These legally binding agreements often begin with the conservator determining the individual is unable to make decisions themselves. This may stem from issues relating to age, substance abuse, or health factors, as with Jay Leno’s conservatorship filing. However, most of these conservatorships eventually became riddled with occasions of corrupt practices or bullying. These incidents make one question its ethicality.