Beloved, longtime “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek and his wife Jean have opened up about his battle with stage four pancreatic cancer in an interview with Michael Strahan for ABC News’ special, “What Is Jeopardy?” If there’s anything that Trebek has learned, it’s that he may be a “courageous” person after all.
That’s because he’s “not scared to death” as he realizes his life is no longer “open-ended.” Maybe it’s because of the outpouring of support from his fans around the world, who have been getting in touch about “the impact” that he’s had “on their existence.” He also has Jean by his side, who shares his burden as Trebek admits he’s “not always the most pleasant person to be around” when he’s struggling.
While Trebek is still determined to fight through his diagnosis – he has good days and bad days, and doesn’t mind “experimenting” with “new protocol” –he’s already rehearsed his final moments on “Jeopardy!” His plan? He’ll tell the director to give him just 30 seconds so he can say his goodbyes and tell the audience:
“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.”