Jay Leno says 'things are good' 2 years after fire, motorcycle accident in update

There are brighter days ahead for late-night TV legend Jay Leno.

The former "Tonight Show" host opened up to E! on the red carpet about his road to recovery after a November 2022 accident where he sustained serious burns when flames erupted as he worked on one of his vintage cars.

"It's good. Things are good. I can't complain," Leno told the outlet, adding a dash of his signature humor in discussing his life touring his comedy: "I just write jokes, tell jokes, get checked. Very simple process."

He attended the ceremony to honor his surgeon Dr. Peter Grossman with the outstanding achievement in medicine award at the 2024 Daytime Beauty Awards on Monday. At the time of Leno's accident, Grossman, the medical director of the Grossman Burn Center, gave updates to the press on Leno's condition.

Jay Lenoto undergo second surgery for 'pretty significant' burns to face, hands, chest

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At the time, Grossman said Leno's injuries occurred while he was working underneath a car at the Burbank garage where Leno stores his famed car collection. When Leno was pulled from under the car, he had "pretty significant burns" to his face, hands and chest. 

Then, in January 2023, just months after he suffered second and third-degree burns to his body, Leno revealed to the Las Vegas Review Journal that he broke several bones in a motorcycle accident on Jan. 17. 

"I got knocked off my motorcycle, so I've got a broken collarbone. I've got two broken ribs. I’ve got two cracked kneecaps," Leno said. He also told the outlet that he is "very happy" in his life due to his long love, Mavis, who is currently battling dementia.

"I've been very lucky. I've been married to the same woman 45 years," Leno said. As for his relationship tips, he said not that couples shouldn't "screw around — pretty simple."

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Jay Leno health update comes after he was named conservator of wife Mavis' estate in April

At the time of the accident, Grossman said Leno's "burns are fairly significant, and they are a concern of which we have to take care of and make sure that he heals appropriately." Leno underwent a surgical excision and grafting procedure and needed additional procedures.

Leno's comments come months after he was declared the conservator of wife Mavis Leno's estate amid the philanthropist’s battle with dementia.

Leno, who filed his petition for the conservatorship in Los Angeles court in January, had his request granted during a hearing in April, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY.

"The court finds from clear and convincing evidence that a conservatorship of the estate is necessary and appropriate in that (Mavis Leno) is unable to care for her financial affairs and is subject to undue influence," the minute order read. "The conservatorship is the least restrictive alternative needed for the protection of (Mavis)."

Contributing: Edward Segarra