Longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek revealed late this afternoon that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
In a video posted to the show’s Twitter account, Trebek explains that he wanted to reveal the news himself to 1) continue being transparent with fans, and 2) set the record straight himself so people wouldn’t be reading inaccurate reports about it:
“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! 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.”
Trebek received lots of prayers and well-wishes after the news broke.
The Sajak family is deeply saddened to hear of Alex Trebek’s struggle with cancer. 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.
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) March 6, 2019
One thing I know for a fact: Alex is very aware of how much he means to millions of people, and how we will be pulling for him…I hope that’s a comfort.
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) March 6, 2019
[image via screengrab]
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