The long-time Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek passed away this past Sunday peacefully in his home. He had been battling stage four pancreatic cancer for the past year.
What We Know:
- Alex Trebek has been the host for Jeopardy! since 1984. Season 37, which began back in September would be his final season and the final episode with him as the host will be on Christmas Day. New episodes featuring Trebek will continue to air through Dec. 25, Sony Pictures Television has announced. His last day in the studio was October 29th, just 10 days before his death.
- Trebek was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer back in March 2019. During this time, he continued hosting episodes of the show for 18 months. According to US Magazine, he detailed his battle with the disease in his memoir, The Answer Is, which was published in July. Alex wrote in his book, “I’ve lived a good, full life, and I’m nearing the end of it. I know that”. He also told readers that he was “not afraid of dying”.
- He had already rehearsed what he wanted to say in his final episode. This is what he said:
“What I would do on that day is tell the director, ‘Time the show down to leave me 30 seconds in the end. That’s all I want,’” he said on Good Morning America in January. “I will say my goodbyes and I will tell people, ‘Don’t ask me who’s going to replace me because I have no say whatsoever. But I’m sure that if you give them the same love and attention and respect that you have shown me, then they will be a success and the show will continue being a success. And until we meet again, God bless you and goodbye.’”
Alex Trebek is survived by his wife Jean Currivan Trebek and his three children Nicky, Matthew, and Emily. He passed away at 80-years-old and will be missed.
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