Closer Weekly: Alex Trebek Managing Well during COVID-19 Crisis Amid Battle with Cancer
TV personality Alex Trebek is not worried about the new coronavirus outbreak even though he is battling cancer. According to what his longtime friend Ruta Lee told Closer Weekly, the 79-year-old is "managing quite well."
Ruta Lee admitted in a recent interview with Closer Weekly that it was difficult for Alex to stay busy after "Jeopardy" announced that they were taking a break due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
TV personality Alex Trebek attends the 150th anniversary of Canada's Confederation at the Official Residence of Canada | Source: Getty Images
Due to the break, Alex has been staying at home. However, the 79-year-old has not been idle, and he has been engaging himself in some domestic work. Ruta said,
"He knows how to do plumbing; he knows how to do carpentry, electrical work. He loves to read. So he's OK."
The TV personality's wife has also been helpful in making sure that her husband remains in great shape and health.
Ruta Lee and Alex Trebek during Ruta Lee Honored with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at Walk Of Fame in Hollywood | Photo: Getty Images
Despite Alex's stage IV Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis, he still feels grateful for waking up every single day. Rita also revealed that he told her some months ago that his fans are the reason he's able to keep doing what he loves.
He revealed that he would have never been able to get through his cancer battle without his beautiful wife.
A while ago, after a year of being diagnosed with the deadly disease, Alex spoke about enduring "attacks of great depression" and "moments of great pain."
Alex Trebek at the 150th anniversary of Canada's Confederation at the Official Residence of Canada on June 30, 2017 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The game show host shared a video update on his health, and he remained hopeful of beating the disease even though the odds are not much.
Alex expressed his happiness at reaching the one-year mark because the one-year survival rate for Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer patients is 18%.
He is also looking forward to celebrating another year despite the slim chances and statistics about surviving stage 4 pancreatic cancer for two years. He said,
"You know, my oncologist tried to cheer me up the other day...he was certain that one year from now the two of us would be sitting in his office celebrating...'"
"Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek wins an award for Outstanding Game Show Host at the 46th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards | Photo: Getty Images
Alex also praised his wife for helping him during these hard times. He revealed that he would have never been able to get through his cancer battle without his beautiful wife.
Alex and his wife Jean, 55, got married in 1990, and their relationship gets stronger day by day. Alex is also a big philanthropist and he recently donated $100 thousand to a Los Angeles shelter home.