Alex Trebek: Loving husband, father, friend and host of Jeopardy!. We hold his family, his best everlasting legacy, in our hearts. Photo courtesy of Jeopardy!
Over the weekend, the world lost a one-of-a-kind personality who we invited into our homes for over 35 years.
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Jean’s beloved husband, Alex Trebek, who passed away at home surrounded by family, friends and his son Matthew’s sweet dog, Luna.
In a sometimes-confusing world, Alex’s qualities; his dry humor, deep intellect and ever-present integrity were a comfort to literally millions. Looking through the emails insidewink has received from our readers, we are touched to see the same sentiments of love and respect expressed by you… “our hearts are broken”, “he made us smarter”, “I am his biggest fan” reverberated through the messages, and as one reader so perfectly put it, “He made a positive difference in a beleaguered world.”
The Joy of Alex Trebek
What some people don’t know is that Alex, always well-turned out in his suit on the Jeopardy! stage, was equally comfortable in jeans and a baseball cap climbing on the roof to fix something or in his garage shop handcrafting projects. I think we feel so much at his passing because we inherently understand a fundamental quality in Alex to which we all aspire: he was a person who loved “doing” without pretense. He loved Jeopardy!, he loved hands-on work, he loved giving and he loved his family.
Beyond his accomplishments in the world of entertainment and charity, Alex’s best and everlasting legacy is his family. The Trebeks are a kind, gracious, generous, and close-knit group. They are all funny, smart, down-to-earth, and deeply kind.
And so, Jean, Emily, Matthew & Nicky… We hold you in our hearts during his time.
Thank you, Alex. We miss you.
We encourage you to leave a comment below, express sympathies to the Trebek family or share how Alex Trebek has touched your life in some way.
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By ALISON MARTIN
Alison Martin -- wife, mom, Emmy-award winning actress, writer, chocoholic. Bronx Italian, daughter of Pultizer Prize winning reporters, who also identifies as L.A. Irish. Shout outs: Dan, Em, Brady, pooches - LuLu & Ted, friends, Mother Earth, serendipity, peace, VIPHS, living life like your socks feel real good.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with Jean and her family. Alex will be missed. I enjoyed watching Jeopardy and how Alex treated each of the contestants with kindness
Alex Trebek will be sorely missed. An understatement, if ever there was one. I send up prayers for the family’s comfort. Be assured that your loved one made a lasting impression on the world and his good lives on in you. ????????
My deepest condolences to the loss of your husband, father and adored game show host. Alex’s dedication and love for his work, family and marriage is admirable. He is not lost… he is in our hearts forever!
When I had a recurrence of my breast cancer in 2016, I was told it was terminal as it went to my lungs. I turned to Alex and Jeopardy to get me through, and I even bought books and started learning so much because Alex made me believe it was possible. I was crushed to hear of his own diagnosis in 2019, and soon noticed that he approached his battle as I did. He was so open and honest with us, educated people, vowed to fight as long as possible, remained positive, but also shared his low points. That’s when he became my role model and hero. He made a huge difference in this world and inspired others to do the same. He can never be replaced, and my heart goes out to his family, friends and fans.
Monique Griffith
Growing up, I remember my dad not caring for game shows until I introduced him to Jeopardy. He then became a life-long fan. Today, my favorite Jeopardy memories are those of my husband and daughter. As I would clean up after dinner, the two of them would always watch the show together. I loved hearing them chuckle over Alex’s tongue-in-cheek responses when easy questions were missed or the previous day’s winnings were small. Our daughter is a teacher now and no longer lives at home but when she comes over for dinner, the two of them still watch Jeopardy together. When the news broke about Alex’s passing, my husband was out on a bike ride. When he returned home, I shared the sad news with him. He told me he already knew – our daughter had texted him about it. That’s when I realized the loss the two of them were sharing. It shows how Alex truly touched the lives of so many of us. His legacy is multi-generational. We will truly miss him. Our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time.
Myself, along with endless thousands of others, are feeling the loss of Alex Trebek as though he was a close friend. My deep and sincere condolences go to his wonderful family. My question to you is…..what charity is Alex Trebek’s favorite? I would like to make a donation in his name.
A true gentleman. Loved to read he was the same lovely man in his personal life too. Sending love and prayers for your loss ❤️
Simply, he was my hero! I was diagnosed with a difficult and unrelenting disease. It was hearing Alex talk about his diagnosis that gave me strength, gave me hope and the tenacity to trod forward. I will continue on my journey. Alex, if you are listening … Thank you!!! You are a treasure to so many.
Hello.
This is a little long, but I hope you don’t mind reading.
I’ve enjoyed watching Alex on television for many years, including his special guest appearance on animated kids shows, plus Cheers and Mama’s Family. When I first watched Jeopardy in 1993, I didn’t know what the show was all about. I watched it sporadically in the 1990s, but more often in 1997 and 1998. I still enjoy watching that April Fools episode from 1997 where he hosted Wheel of Fortune while Pat Sajak hosted Jeopardy.
Then one day in 2004, my great-grandmother and I were talking on the phone (she watched Jeopardy regularly). She introduced me to Ken Jennings, who had won game after game. Starting in 2009, during my first days at college, I decided to watch Jeopardy every chance I could, and since then, I watched other episodes from the past, which helped me learn even more trivia. Of course, during that time, my younger brother, Sean, was an expert in geography and participated in state geography bees. He’d wanted to meet Alex at the National Geography Bee, but sadly, he didn’t quite make it to the national stage; however, he came very close. I still consider him the geography whiz in my book.
I can’t get enough of some of Alex’s funny moments, especially the time before Super Bowl LII when he gave hilarious remarks about the contestants fumbling the responses.
When I heard about Alex’s health announcement in 2019, I was shocked, but when he said he would fight it and keep working, I wanted to keep him in my thoughts and prayers every day, keeping the faith, as he wanted me to, and send him a letter, letting him know how much I enjoy seeing him on television. I thought I’d let him know that he was one of the most open and transparent people, and I believe that that was one of his highest qualities, and that’s what makes me appreciate people like him. Of course, I wasn’t expecting anything in return, and I knew that he was busy. I was pleasantly surprised to know that he sent me his autograph, with his best wishes approximately one month later.
There are so many wonderful memories of him that really made me smile, and I just wanted to take the time to share them. I plan to get a Jeopardy board game and practice being the host in Alex’s honor, and my friends say I’d be as great as Alex was, although I don’t know if I’d go that far. Jean, Emily, Matthew, and Nicky, I send you my condolences. My thoughts are with all of you.
My family enjoyed watching Alex so much. I always remember my 80 year old mom sayng “how can he possibly pronounce those words” alex was a wonderful person. We are Canadian and appreciate that he never forgot us. Condolences to the family.
Dear Jean ,
Your wedding picture is beautiful. At this time of deep loss and sorrow, please know my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. Also know that your dear Alex was and will always be a very special part of my life. I watched Jeopardy with my mom for many years and continued that with my first born as well. One Christmas, I even made a big Jeopardy board with the categories all about my mom! It was such a fun time. She loved it. My husband worked a crazy night shift for many years so I was alone a lot. In fact, many evenings were spent, pjs on, an infant in my lap and Jeopardy on the TV. If I was fortunate enough, there some nights I got to watch Alex all by myself with a bowl of cereal. Sometimes I even was on the phone with my dear mom playing along. As the years went on and we became empty nesters, Jeopardy and Alex were our standard “date night” TV after dinner. If we were out, I would tape the show – first on a VCR and later on DVR. I have so many great and loving memories of Jeopardy because of Alex. I pray my small but sincere note brings you some comfort knowing that Alex brought not only me, but the world such an inspiring, enlightening and curiosity of knowledge and enjoyment of learning into the lives of others. He will be so missed. Although my heart is truly saddened by his loss, I’d like to imagine that when he was welcomed into the gates of Heaven, God turned and asked my mom who was her favorite game show host ever and “The answer is…. “ ALEX TREBEK.
my heart goes out to you all, Alex Trebek was one of the best game show host that i have ever seen, i watched him so many times and he was always respectful, and kind to everyone. i learned a lot from him through out the years. there will never be another as good as he was. May he rest in Peace and God Bless you all
Please be assured that Jean is reading your comments and is so grateful for all your love and support at this time. We know that she is comforted by your kind words and well wishes.
Love and prayers to her. Hoping she finds some comfort in the many wonderful memories we all are sharing and that Jean knows in her heart how along with her and her family , we all will miss him so very very much. He touched the world with his voice, his manners and his impeccable respect and kindness to all.
Alex has been a welcomed guest in our home for decades. ‘Tis bittersweet to watch these episodes knowing there will be an end.
Thank you for sharing your husband/father with us for these many years.
He will be remembered fondly.
Thank you Alison for sharing what we all felt about Alex Trebek. Our hearts are with his earth angel, Jean and the kids. And the Answer is: Love
Living your life with intent. As an intensive care nurse, my professional organization, AACN used “nursing with intent” as a motto to describe our efforts to be the best we could be. As a human being, Alex Trebek understood this desire to be the best. He encouraged us all when he was just himself. Reading insidewink.com, I understand just how intentional his life really was, and am even prouder to have shared time with my loved ones watching his show all these years. You can be sure our entire family will be watching his last show on Christmas and wishing you all the best!
To Jean & family – my husband & I are truly sorry for the loss of your husband & father. We really hoped Alex was going to beat this. We are faithful watchers of Jeopardy and feel it will not be the same without him. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time and we hope that your favorite memories of Alex will sustain you in the days, weeks and months ahead. Kris & Ed
We cannot imagine watching Jeopardy without hearing ,,, “Alex Trebek”. Such an intelligent, elegant man who made everyone feel comfortable. We are grateful that Alex – true to form – gave his all unselfishly to the end so that we could enjoy him a few more times even after his departure. God bless you, Alex. Thank you, Trebek family, for sharing your beloved spouse and father with us all these years.
Alex, so handsome, even at 80! He had that reassuring, kind voice. Yes, you do feel like you knew him. He was smart and witty with an easy smile. I’m not surprised that he was a do-er and kept busy fixing things and helping his family. Such a strong person to be fighting the cancer and surviving the harsh treatment while continuing to work on Jeopardy, and doing so with such grace and gentleness.
In 2014, I would settle down with my grand baby at 7:00 every night, going back in the recliner as we snuggled in. I fed her while I watched Alex on Jeopardy. She was asleep by the end of the show. Alex is part of a very special memory for me. Besides being comforting, he was an American tradition!
God bless his wife, Jean, and his children, Nicky, Emily and Matthew. They were so strong to help him through his last days. Now, I pray for their strength as they learn to live without him. Sending love and positive thoughts……….
Sincerely,
Shawn
I too lost my precious Father to pancreatic cancer. I have been praying for your family and understand your journey. Look for your God Wink…you will see Alex in unexpected places and know he and God are telling you that all is well. Love and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with Jean and family at this difficult time. While I have been a long time fan and admirer of Alex and Jeopardy, it found a new meaning for my husband and I as we rediscovered Jeopardy as a way to strengthen his abilities after battling non-hodgkins lymphoma for three years. We so look forward to our Jeopardy time together and will miss seeing Alex. Sending healing and caring thoughts to you and your family in the days ahead.
Thank you Allison for the beautiful sentiments.My deepest sympathy and prayers go to Jean and the family. Her loving, radiant, angelic presence is such a blessing to her husband and family and that was the glue that held it all together. As a recent contributor to this site, I feel we are kindred spirits and hope to become more a part of this beautiful and enlightened ‘Insidewink’. It is an honor to be a part of such a blessed contribution. I know that Alex will live on in the hearts and minds of us all and sending healing and caring energy to Jean and her family. With ❤️????????
Alex Trebrek. What an icon to the world. To Jean and your children my sincere condolences for your loss and my happiness he had all of you and a world that loved him and who he was.
My sister, after our big sisters lost her fight with stage 4 ovarian cancer had a mental breakdown, but Alex and Jeopardy was the only time for 18 months she enjoyed participating in nearly every night. He was a part of her recovery. My family and I are so deeply indebted to Alex. To us he is family and we deeply miss him. Though no comparisons can be made, we too have gone through great loss. Brother, sister and mother. But my dad is still kicking at 97. God bless us all for those people in our lives.
Dear Trebek Family- I can’t tell you how deeply saddened our family is to have lost Alex. We have spent many, many years around the television together playing Jeopardy along with Alex and his contestants. He seemed like the most wonderful person. Not only did he make us smarter but, he made me feel smart! Our deepest condolences on your huge loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you constantly. God bless you all.
We have always loved Jeopardy and watched it as a family. One year we got a Jeopardy game with little clickers. My youngest brother had just got married and his wife, family didn’t watch Jeopardy and she was not very good a clicking or answering questions so we choose her to read the questions and decide who clicked their clicker first!. That was nearly 40 years ago, and we still laugh about it now! My mom is now 95 snd I don’t think we’ve missed a show in the last 15 years! Thank you for sharing your husband and dad with the world! We are all better for it…
Thank you Jean and family for sharing Alex with all of us. For many of us ( Sisters of Providence) we looked forward to our Holy Hour with Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
I read the book The answer is. It was wonderful to get to know all of you through the stories. Jean, I just received Guideposts from a friend of mine. There was your inspiring article. Thank you. I’ve been inspired by Alex and especially through his cancer treatment. I am a new survivor of breast cancer.
Deepest prayers of sympathy at this time. Continue to be surrounded by your faith and support of those who love you. Peace Bea
Alex Trebek, our gentle giant, our entertainer, our wholesome, intelligent, witty and well rounded person. He challenged us, made us dig deep within ourselves. He taught us that it is okay to be an intelligent, ever seeking wisdom and groomed us to be the best that we could be. He taught us that life is a never ending learning experience and that we should never forget to study, take notes and challenge ourselves daily. He taught us about love, laughter and for sure not to take ourselves too seriously. He will be missed around the globe for many years to come. For Alex Trebek can never be replaced because he was Jeopardy. His voice, his laughter, his keen eye sight and his intelligence will live on through the many lives that he touched. Fly high with the angels, I am sure you have already gotten many to play there in heaven. Your goodness knows no boundaries and in heaven, you will flourish and keep on teaching and challenging. God bless all those you have left behind. You made us all better just knowing you.
I just discovered your web page from your article in Guideposts. My heart goes out to you Jean and your family on the loss of Alex. I have been battling pc for 3 years so I know some of what it took for Alex to continue to live his life as normal as possible during his battle. I was so amazed at his endurance and admired his positive spirit. I wanted you to know that by making his battle public, Alex helped others battling the same cancer. He drew attention to a disease that needs more research but does not get much attention because so few get it. As part of a world wide pc support group, we are so grateful to him for sharing his journey. He was a bright light in this world and his light will continue to shine for others. I hope these words bring comfort to you and your family during this sad time.