logo
twitter.com/GMA
twitter.com/GMA

Alex Trebek Reveals He Feels like a Burden to Wife Jean While Battling Cancer

Joe Akins
Jul 22, 2020
06:00 A.M.

Television personality and "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek opened up to "Good Morning America" about his battle with pancreatic cancer and writing his new memoir.

Advertisement

In March, Alex Trebek announced that he was battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It was an announcement that caused great concern among his fans, family, and friends.

TV personality Alex Trebek attends the 150th anniversary of Canada's Confederation at the Official Residence of Canada | Photo: Getty Images

TV personality Alex Trebek attends the 150th anniversary of Canada's Confederation at the Official Residence of Canada | Photo: Getty Images

What followed afterward was a great expression of love and support toward Trebek from many people, which made him think that people really cared to learn something about him.

Since then, things have looked more positive for the longtime "Jeopardy!" host, who spoke to "Good Morning America's" T.J. Holmes on Monday.

Trebek recently announced the release of his memoir, "The Answer Is… Reflections on My Life." The book opens up about Trebek's life, his upbringing, and how it has shaped his work ethic and willingness to survive.

Advertisement
"Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek wins an award for Outstanding Game Show Host at the 46th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards | Photo: Getty Images

"Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek wins an award for Outstanding Game Show Host at the 46th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards | Photo: Getty Images

In his interview, Trebek revealed that though there have been positives, some days have been more challenging than others, adding that sometimes he felt like a burden to his loving wife, Jean.

A particular incident of note happened a few weeks ago when she asked him about his wellbeing. The television personality told Jean that he felt like he wanted to die.

Since revealing his cancer diagnosis to fans, Trebek has kept them up to date on his health status.

Advertisement

The reply upset her so much, but Trebek quickly apologized to her, explaining that his feelings had nothing to do with his love for her. He further explained to Holmes that it had more to do with him feeling like a "terrible burden" to his wife, which bothered him greatly.

Despite those feelings, Jean has helped her husband to navigate through his difficulties, something he is much appreciative of, even describing her as a saint and someone with so much goodness in her heart.

Alex Trebek on "Good Morning America," on May 1, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images

Alex Trebek on "Good Morning America," on May 1, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images

The "Jeopardy!" host also opened up on how he has been able to hold up through life and work, saying there were tough moments and that things had not been as easy as he made them look, but that he was good at faking it.

Advertisement

Since revealing his cancer diagnosis to fans, Trebek has kept them up to date on his health status, doing so recently in a video message he shared on July 16, where he expressed his hope to be back on the "Jeopardy!" studio soon.

He also announced that he would be recording some show openings for some special episodes of the show from his home amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Trebek further said that his health was okay and that his treatment was paying off.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Harry Chose Not to Stay in the Same Room with Camilla While Visiting Ailing Dad — Inside Their Relationship

February 15, 2024

Joan Lunden Discussed Late Motherhood in Her 50s, Raising Two Sets of Twins, and Overcoming Cancer

January 17, 2024

‘Dirty Dancing’ Stars Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze Were Like ‘Oil and Water’ — How Their Kids Would Have Looked via AI

November 28, 2023

Toby Keith's Life before & after He Was Diagnosed with Stomach Cancer – Photos

February 06, 2024

A Terrifying Anonymous Message Revealed a Different Side of My Late Mother

February 25, 2024

Michael Strahan’s Daughter, 19, Was Hospitalized after Starting New Chemo Treatment: Details

February 26, 2024

Michael Strahan’s Daughter, 19, Was Hospitalized after Starting New Chemo Treatment: Details

February 23, 2024

Shannen Doherty's Husband Cheated On Her before Her Brain Surgery

December 07, 2023

Michael Strahan's Custody Battle over His Twins That Lasted for Years

January 16, 2024

Inside Ice Skating Legend Scott Hamilton's Former Rural Home Where He Fought Cancer with Family by His Side

February 27, 2024

Toby Keith Was a ‘Man of Faith’ & Leaned on It Every Day before His Death – Inside His Last Days

February 07, 2024

Gary Sinise’s Wife’s Cancer Diagnosis Coincided with Their Son’s — Her Story of Strength and Resilience

February 28, 2024

Michael Landon's Son Helped the Ailing Star up the Stairs – Now the Son Fights for His Life with 2 Kids & Partner

March 04, 2024

Michael Strahan Officially Returns to ‘GMA’ Bringing ‘Tears of Joy’ to Co-hosts after Weeks of Absence

November 15, 2023