Ken Jennings Pays Tribute to Alex Trebek, Fans React

Ken Jennings recently honored the late Alex Trebek on the fifth anniversary of Trebek’s passing. The tribute coincided with November’s designation as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Jennings, the current host of “Jeopardy!” and a former contestant, wore a purple ribbon, symbolizing the fight against pancreatic cancer, and shared his tribute on Instagram.

Remembering Alex Trebek

Alex Trebek, beloved host of “Jeopardy!”, passed away from pancreatic cancer on November 8, 2020. He publicly shared his Stage IV diagnosis on March 6, 2019. Despite his illness, Trebek continued to host the show while undergoing chemotherapy.

Ken Jennings’ Tribute

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Jennings expressed his gratitude to PanCAN, the organization supporting pancreatic cancer awareness. He captioned his photo, taken on the “Jeopardy!” stage, “Where better than the Alex Trebek Stage to mark the beginning of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month?”

He also encouraged fans to visit PanCAN’s website to learn how to raise awareness throughout November. Jennings donned a suit with a small purple ribbon affixed to his lapel, in honor of Trebek and the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Continuing the Legacy

Jennings succeeded Trebek as host after his September 2020 surgery and his episodes began airing in January 2021. Prior to becoming the permanent host, Jennings was known for his impressive 74-game winning streak in 2004, under Trebek’s guidance.

Fan Reactions

Fans of “Jeopardy!” responded enthusiastically, commending Jennings for his tribute. Comments included:

• “Rest in peace, Alex, and thank you, Ken, for using your platform to raise awareness!”
• “God bless you, Ken. Honoring Alex,”
• “You have filled his shoes beautifully!”

This outpouring of support reflects the deep connection both Jennings and Trebek have with the show’s audience. As the show continues, Jennings aims to keep Trebek’s legacy alive.

For more updates, viewers can catch “Jeopardy!” on weekdays and stream episodes the next day on Hulu and Peacock.