logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Katie Couric Reveals How She Really Felt about Being the First Female 'Jeopardy!' Guest Host

Laura Beatham
Mar 14, 2021
10:40 A.M.

Katie Couric admitted how she really felt about being the first female "Jeopardy!" guest host for her episodes this March. Other guest hosts will follow her.

Advertisement

Katie Couric will host "Jeopardy!" episodes from March 8 to 19, 2021. The news TV host is making history as the first female guest host of the beloved general knowledge game show.

Couric discussed exclusively with People about her feelings toward hosting the show. She revealed that it was complicated and required a lot of multi-tasking.

Katie Couric pictured on "Mornings With Maria" at Fox Business Network Studios, 2019, New York City. | Photo: Getty Images

Katie Couric pictured on "Mornings With Maria" at Fox Business Network Studios, 2019, New York City. | Photo: Getty Images

She is the third guest host of this year, after Ken Jennings, the show's most successful play, and the executive producer, Mike Richards. She shared that she loves that she is the first female host.

Of course, between the pressure of being the host and filling the shoes of the late and beloved "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek, Couric admitted that she was nervous as she said:

Advertisement

"I was a nervous wreck, honestly. There are a lot of moving parts behind the scenes, things you need to figure out."

Advertisement

Despite her nervousness, she shared that hosting the show had been a lot of fun. She credited the team of producers and crew for the show running so smoothly.

However, she did admit that this is something missing now that the show's longtime host is no longer with us. Trebek passed away in November last year after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Advertisement

Her hosting will have a large charity aspect as the show will equal the contestants' cumulative winnings and donated it to Stand Up To Cancer. Couric is a co-founder of the charity.

During the show, she shared the news with viewers. Her own sister, Emily, passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2001. She shared that it was to honor both the late host and her sister:

"They are focused on pancreatic cancer research, so I did that in honor of Alex and Emily."

Advertisement

Her debut episode aired on international Women's Day. The "Jeopardy!" Twitter page celebrated the day and announced her as host ahead of her debut.

She shared that producers had made a frame for her that read, What iconic journalist and Stand Up to Cancer founder is the first female guest host of Jeopardy!, the answer being her.

She shared a photo of the frame on Instagram. The wording is written like a "Jeopardy!" question, so it is definitely a lovely memento from her time on the show.

"Jeopardy!" has lined up a few celebrity guests to host the show including, "Big Bang" star Mayim Bialik, "Today" host, Savannah Guthrie, and Dr. Oz, to name a few.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Tony Awards 2024: Highlights and Unexpected Appearances

June 17, 2024

How the Lives and Appearances of the 'Desperate Housewives' Stars Have Changed 20 Years after the Show's Release – Details

July 15, 2024

How the Lives and Appearances of the 'Desperate Housewives' Stars Have Changed 20 Years after the Show's Release – Details

July 10, 2024

8 Celebrity Duos Who Defy Expectations That They Are the Same Age

July 12, 2024

'OMG!!!': Users Suspect Katie Holmes, 45, Had Eyelid Surgery after Seeing Her Pics from NYC Stroll

July 24, 2024

What Happened to the 'Charmed' Stars 26 Years after the Show's Premiere?

July 15, 2024

The ‘Charmed’ Stars Are Barely Recognizable 26 Years Later – What Happened to Them?

June 27, 2024

This Girl Lost Superstar Dad on Her B-Day Eve – She Was with Him in Hospital before His Death but Was Cut from His Will

June 27, 2024

What Happened between Shannen Doherty & Alyssa Milano – inside Their Scandal

July 16, 2024

Shannen Doherty's Doctor Breaks Silence after Star's Death and Shares Details about Her Final Hours

July 17, 2024

Linda Evans' Life after 'Dynasty' – From Trading Hollywood for Lakehouse Living to Facing Illness and Loss

July 09, 2024

'Surprising': Katie Holmes, 45, Rocks Natural Makeup & Belted Maxi Dress in Latest Outing, Sparking Comments

June 25, 2024

John Schneider Married New Girlfriend 1 Year after Their Both Spouses Died – Who Is She?

July 02, 2024

What Happened to Desi Arnaz Jr. After He Put His Acting Career on Hold?

September 03, 2024