Alex Trebek’s Wife Jean Breaks Her Silence on His Death

Jean Trebek has spoken out after her husband, Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, died on Sunday following his fight with cancer. See her heartfelt thanks to fans below.

By Lindsay Weinberg Nov 12, 2020 2:42 AMTags
Watch: "Jeopardy!" Host Alex Trebek Dead at 80

Jean Trebek is feeling the love from the worldwide Jeopardy! family. 

The wife of the late Alex Trebek thanked fans for their outpouring of support after the legendary Jeopardy! host died on Sunday at age 80. She wrote a moving message on Instagram on Wednesday, Nov. 11, to recognize all the love she's received. 

Jean said, "My family and I sincerely thank you all for your compassionate messages and generosity. Your expressions have truly touched our hearts. Thank you so very, very much." 

She also shared a sweet photo from their wedding day in 1990, with Alex slipping the ring on Jean's finger. They went on to have two kids together, Matthew and Emily.

Alex had been battling pancreatic cancer for about a year before he passed away "peacefully," surrounded by his family and friends, the game show's Twitter page announced. 

Nicky Trebek—Alex's adoptive daughter with his first wife Elaine—shared a photo of prayer candles on Tuesday to recognize her dad's passing.

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Alex Trebek: A Life in Pictures

The Jeopardy! team also honored his memory this week. Executive producer Mike Richards paid tribute to the brainy host on Monday's episode, saying, "This is an enormous loss for our staff, crew, for his family, for his millions of fans."

Mike continued, "He loved this show and everything it stood for... He will forever be an inspiration for his constant desire to learn, his kindness and for his love of his family."

Michael Buckner/WireImage

In the days since the Canadian's death, Jeopardy! winners Burt Thakur and Ken Jennings have written messages about how much Alex meant to them. 

Alex had pre-taped 35 episodes of Jeopardy! that will air unaltered, meaning he will host the show posthumously until Christmas.

His successor has not yet been revealed.

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