Alex Trebek Shares Health Update a Month After Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

Alex Trebek has been the host of Jeopardy! since 1984. He says he has no plans to miss hosting the 36th season of the show when it returns later this year despite a devastating stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis he announced earlier this year.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer due to symptoms and testing not presenting until it’s in a later stage.

As the 35th season wrapped this week, Trebek addressed viewers in a short video below after the final show with a positive update on his illness and outlook for the coming months.

“Despite what you may have heard, I’m feeling good, I’m continuing with my therapy and we, by we, the staff, are already working on our next season, the 36th year of ‘Jeopardy!'” he said.

Trebek, 78, also thanked his many well-wishers in the television audience who have watched him over the years.

“So here, on the last day of taping for our 35th anniversary season, I wanted once again to thank you for your continuing messages of encouragement and support, particularly the many cards I’ve received from young people. I’m touched beyond words,” Trebek continued in the video.

Trebek concluded by saying he and the team at “Jeopardy!” were looking forward to the 36th season together.

“So, I look forward to seeing you once again in September with all kinds of good stuff,” he finished.

The 35th Season of Jeopardy! Ended With a Bang

In the last week of recorded shows in the 35th season, Las Vegas sports bettor James Holzhauer closed out his 10th win on the show and at the same time beat his own whopping record of single-game winnings of $110,914 with a final total on Wednesday night of $131,127.

Holzhauer now has a grand total of $697,787 in Jeopardy! cash coming his way after 10 games. To put the number into perspective, Jeopardy!’s winningest competitor Ken Jennings won more than $2.5 million over his 74-game run.

Hopefully, Alex Trebek‘s health will continue to allow him to host the 36th season and see many more record-breaking wins.