Jeopardy! Begins Alex Trebek’s Final Week Of Episodes With Touching Message From Host

(Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

Jeopardy! has kicked off Alex Trebek’s final week of episodes which marks the late host’s closing farewell.

Monday’s episode marked the first of the last five episodes with Trebrek hosting the long-running game show and he shared an important and touching message with audiences. “You will recall about a month ago, I asked all of you to take a moment and give thanks for all of the blessings that you enjoy in your lives,” began Trebek.

“Now, today a different kind of message. This is the season of giving. I know you want to be generous with your family, with your friends, your loved ones, but today I’d like you to go one step further,” he continued.

“I’d like you to open up your hands and open up your hearts to those who are still suffering because of COVID-19. People who are suffering through no fault of their own. We’re trying to build a gentler, kinder society. If we all pitch in just a little bit, we’re going to get there.”

Trebek filmed his final set of Jeopardy! episodes this past October. The longtime host passed on November 8 at age 80 after suffering from stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Trebek’s final episode was originally set to air on Christmas Day, but according to a press release, it was delayed “in order to give his millions of fans a chance to see his final appearances.”

Beginning on Jan. 11, Jeopardy! will rotate hosts with a group of familiar faces to take over Trebek’s position for the time being. This includes longtime Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings along with other members of the Jeopardy! family.