NEW YORK — “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek recorded a special plea to viewers to support COVID-19 victims at the beginning of what would become his last week of shows.
"I'd like you to open up your hands and open up your heart to those who are still suffering because of COVID-19. People who are suffering through no fault of their own," Trebek says at the beginning of the episode that aired January 4.
"We're trying to build a gentler, kinder society and if we all pitch in, just a little bit, we're gonna get there."
The episode was originally slated to air during late December. However, after Trebek's death in November, producers decided to air the final five episodes hosted by Trebek in January.
The final episode filmed before Trebek's death will air January 8 and will include “a special tribute to the life and work of the man who captained America’s Favorite Quiz Show with skill, style, and sophistication for 36+ years,” according to a statement from Jeopardy! producer Sony Pictures Television.
Trebek died on November 8 at the age of 80 after battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He announced his diagnosis in March 2019 and kept fans updated while recording episodes of the game show between treatments, giving no indication of retiring from the host podium.
