Generations of fans around the world who welcomed Alex Trebek into their homes for decades are collectively mourning after the Jeopardy! host passed away at the age of 80 on Sunday.
According to CNN, the cause of death was not immediately known, but Trebek announced his battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer last year. The show announced the passing on their Twitter page.
"Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends," the game show's Twitter account stated. "Thank you, Alex."
Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex. pic.twitter.com/Yk2a90CHIM
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 8, 2020
The game show host inspired people of all backgrounds with his craft and personality.
Resharing one of Alex Trebek’s final moments from @Jeopardy, as it paints a picture of his impact on countless people and families.
RIP to a true inspiration. pic.twitter.com/Vv9WF5qKwB
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 8, 2020
Journalist Jemele Hill shared one of her favorite memories from the show.
One of my favorite moments ever on Jeopardy #RIPAlexTrebek
pic.twitter.com/TnXJmohibU— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) November 8, 2020
The contestants of Jeopardy! also recalled their unforgettable interactions with the host.
I couldn’t believe that if I ever got to be on jeopardy I could literally make Alex Trebek say whatever I wanted during Final Jeopardy. Rest In Peace to one of the coolest, lowkey funniest people ever and truly a favorite person of mine. No longer in pain ???? pic.twitter.com/TJw3mziV22
— steph (@schnephanie) November 8, 2020
ESPN highlighted Trebek's message to Kobe Bryant, another icon who died earlier this year.
Legendary Jeopardy host and @Lakers fan Alex Trebek dedicated a special message to Kobe Bryant for his final game in 2016. (via @Jeopardy)
RIP Alex Trebek pic.twitter.com/cso7fcLhb5
— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) November 8, 2020
Trebek, who had been overwhelmed by the love of his fans on a few occasions, had another one of those moments when a contestant wrote a special message during the show.
Well said. This question and answer will live on forever! Here’s to a TV and game show host legend! #AlexTrebek
@Jeopardy
#RIPAlexTrebek ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/Vl4YaMvp3O— Michael Lyle, Jr. ???????? (@LyleMultimedia) November 8, 2020
There's no doubt that the man was a fixture in the house of millions of families.
All Alex Trebek did was spread knowledge to us for years, he was basically part of our family for years. Rest easy king.
— Ahmed????????/A&R for Griselda Records (@big_business_) November 8, 2020
I know so many random facts and have pockets of knowledge in several subjects due to Jeopardy. Alex Trebek’s impact is immeasurable. He will be remembered and cherished forever.
— Wanna (@WannasWorld) November 8, 2020
I’m…not sure I believe in jeopardy without Alex. I know that’s probably my own emotional lack of imagination, but…yeah.
— Ashley C. Ford (@iSmashFizzle) November 8, 2020
For many viewers who have watched the show for years, the feeling of answering a Jeopardy! question has always been uplifting.
Alex Trebek did nothing but make you feel cool for being smart for 30 minutes every day for 36 years. Not many better ways to live a life
— Kazeem Famuyide ???? (@Kazeem) November 8, 2020
The beloved entertainer has also been noted for the rap lyrics he reads.
Brighten your day with a video of Alex Trebek reading rap lyrics on Jeopardy! ????️ pic.twitter.com/GwCQWfRzXX
— BROTHER (@BrotherHQ) November 8, 2020
Trebek vowed to fight the disease when he announced his diagnosis last year, CNN reported.
"Now, normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I'm going to fight this. And I'm going to keep working and with the love and support of my family and friends — and with the help of your prayers also — I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease," he said.
The 80-year-old hosted Jeopardy! since 1984.
"Truth told, I have to [keep hosting] because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy! for three more years," Trebek said while battling the disease. "So help me. Keep the faith, and we'll win. We'll get it done."
As Blavity previously reported, Trebek sent encouraging words for U.S. Representative John Lewis, who was also battling cancer.
"We’re starting a new year, and let’s see if we can’t both complete the year as pancreatic cancer survivors," he said to the civil rights champion.
