'Jeopardy! Fans Are Emotional Over How the Show Is Honoring Alex Trebek
One of the most iconic game show hosts is getting a special honor, and what better way to announce the news than on the series he hosted for over three decades?
During the June 21 episode of Jeopardy!, host Ken Jennings shared with fans that his predecessor, the late Alex Trebek, would be forever immortalized by receiving his own forever stamp with the U.S. Postal Service. Flashing an image on the screen of the stamp, it featured a clue that read, "This naturalized U.S. citizen hosted the quiz show 'Jeopardy!' for 37 seasons." What's more, Ken disclosed the stamp is available for pre-order before dropping on July 22 — for a very special reason.
Late 'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek will be honored with a forever stamp with the U.S. Postal Service beginning on July 22, 2024.
"I'm excited to announce that the next icon to receive a stamp will be our very own Alex Trebek," Ken revealed in a clip posted on Instagram. "The stamp will be officially released on July 22, on what would have been Alex's 84th birthday."
Upon learning the unique way Alex will be remembered, folks immediately voiced their appreciation in the comments.
"I have NEVER been so excited to go to the Post Office! 😂 Way to go Alex! 👏🏼 He’s a treasure to both the U.S. and Canada! 🇺🇸 🇨🇦," one person wrote. "I'm not crying, YOU'RE CRYING," another declared. "Oh my god. I love this so much. He 100% deserves this honor. We all miss Alex," a different viewer added.
As longtime viewers may remember, Alex began his tenure as Jeopardy! host when he joined the quiz show back in 1984. He continued to host the series until he died in November 2020 at the age of 80 from stage 4 pancreatic cancer, with Ken taking over as host the day of Alex's passing.
After a number of guest hosts filled in while the show's producers searched for a permanent host, Ken stepped into the role alongside The Big Bang Theory alum Mayim Bialik in July 2022, with Ken officially becoming the series' sole host in December 2023.
"The thing that stuck with me is he thanked me for coming in to fill in for him. That just broke me," Ken told Vulture in December 2022 about his final conversation with Alex. "I said, 'Alex, are you kidding? We should be thanking you. I'd take a bullet for you, Alex. I'm happy to help.' Of course, I didn't know that he would be gone within 36 hours."