In a sad announcement on Wedensday, everyone's favorite quiz show host announced some troubling news about his health.
Alex Trebek, the longtime host of Jeopardy, revealed that he is suffering from stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Trebek made the announcement in a video on the show's official YouTube page.
Hi everyone, I have some news to share with all of you. And it's in keeping with my longtime policy of being open and transparent with our Jeopardy fanbase. I also wanted to prevent you from reading or hearing some overblown or inaccurate reports regarding my health.So therefore, I wanted to be the one to pass along this information. Now, just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
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.
Truth told, I have to [keep hosting] because under the terms of my contract, I have to host 'Jeopardy' for three more years. So help me. Keep the faith, and we'll win. We'll get it done. Thank you.
The announcement came as a shock to many, as the 78-year-old host seemed almost invincible. His long tenure as host of Jeopardy made most people forget that he too ages, and is vulnerable when it comes to health issues,
Many people, including fellow gameshow host Pat Sajak, reached out to Trebek to send their support.
"The Sajak family is deeply saddened to hear of Alex Trebek's struggle with cancer," the Wheel of Fortune Host wrote on Twitter. "Our hearts go out to him and his family. But there is no one I know who is stronger and more determined, and I would never bet against him. We, and the entire country, are pulling for you, Alex."
"Oh my God," Brad Rutter wrote. "If anyone can beat this, you can. Sending heartfelt good thoughts and best wishes for a speedy and full recovery. We love you, Uncle Alex!"
"I've said this before but Alex Trebek is in a way the last Cronkite: authoritative, reassuring TV voice you hear every night, almost to the point of ritual," Jeopardy legend Ken Jennings said of Trebek.
