'Jeopardy!' Host Alex Trebek Dies at 80

Alex Trebek has died at the age of 80, according to Jeopardy!’s Twitter account on Sunday, after battling pancreatic cancer. Trebek shared that he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March 2019. For 36 years, Trebek was the host of Jeopardy!, and won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host seven times for his work on the show.

A Jeopardy! spokesperson told TMZ that Trebek “passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends.” Prior to his passing, Trebek spoke to Good Morning America in 2019 about what he told his Jeopardy! staff to not say after his passing because he has lived a very full life, sharing:

One line that I have used with our staff in recent weeks and months is that when I do pass on, one thing they will not say at my funeral is, ‘Oh, he was taken from us too soon. Hey guys, I’m 79 years old. I’ve had one hell of a good life and I’ve enjoyed it. The thought of passing on doesn’t frighten me.

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

Fans and friends, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, responded to Trebek’s death on social media and offered condolences.

Please read my full statement on the passing of Alex Trebek: https://t.co/pnAsoFSzx5

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 8, 2020

Alex Trebek holds a special place in my heart. He was like Mr. Rogers, or Carl Sagan on Cosmos, or Bob Ross. Somebody kind who just wanted to share knowledge with us.

— Mara “Get Rid of the Nazis” Wilson (@MaraWilson) November 8, 2020

Alex Trebek was a gentleman, and it was a privilege to share the stage, even briefly, with such a kind, thoughtful guy. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/moZrpOhLwA

— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) November 8, 2020

I was the “answer” on Jeopardy a couple of times and hearing ALEX TREBEK say my name truly felt like a dream. We could all benefit from conducting ourselves with that level of elegance and measure. An icon for almost 40 years! RIP Alex Trebek. ????

— billy eichner (@billyeichner) November 8, 2020

I only met him for a moment, but he was kind to me. I used his dressing room. His producers were encouraging and warm. I can’t imagine the pain his family (and his chosen family) must be going through. Rest In peace Alex Trebek. You improved this world and will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/8chBaMXmaG

— ☠️ Cara Santa Maria ☠️ (@CaraSantaMaria) November 8, 2020

ABC News will air a 20/20 special “Alex Trebek, Remembered” in Trebek’s honor tonight at at 10/9c on ABC.

TONIGHT: Alex Trebek, remembered. Join us for a special #ABC2020 tonight at 10/9c on ABC. #AlexTrebek https://t.co/xKKODLeYj1 pic.twitter.com/YKeBtKrCu6

— ABC News (@ABC) November 8, 2020