Remembering the legendary host!

'Jeopardy!' Shares Moving Tribute To Alex Trebek Following His Passing: "He Will Forever Be An Inspiration"

The first episode of Jeopardy! since Alex Trebek's death aired on Monday, and it included an emotional tribute to him. The show's executive producer shared that Trebek's final episodes will still air as planned, since it's what the late host would have wanted. Find out more here!

Jeopardy! made sure to honour its longtime host Alex Trebek after his passing with a special segment. As Entertainment Tonight shares, Monday's episode of the trivia game show marked the first to air following Trebek's death, and, while it was pre-taped, it included an emotional tribute to the late host.

Jeopardy! producer talks Trebek's love of show and family

Jeopardy! executive producer Mike Richards appeared on screen at the beginning of the show to say a few words about Trebek, who passed away on Sunday at 80 after battling pancreatic cancer. "He loved this show and everything it stood for," Richards said. "In fact, he taped his final episodes less than two weeks ago. He will forever be an inspiration for his constant desire to learn, his kindness and for his love for his family."

As Entertainment Tonight mentions, Richards also shared that the remainder of Trebek's Jeopardy! run— which consists of 35 episodes— will continue to air posthumously, since "that's what he [Trebek] wanted." The official Jeopardy! account expanded on this information, revealing on Twitter that Trebek's final episode will air on December 25. "Alex taped shows through December 25th, 2020," the tweet read. "They will air as he intended, in his honor."

Alex Trebek hosts the 25th anniversary Jeopardy show in 2009.

Jeopardy! host Trebek had been optimistic about his health

Jeopardy!'s late host was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March of last year, and he continued to have a positive outlook even as he talked about his battle with the terminal illness. In July, Trebek recorded an emotional video updating fans on his condition, and released a memoir called The Answer Is...Reflections On My Life.

As Entertainment Tonight shares, Richards revealed that Trebek's final moments before his passing were beautiful ones. "If you know Alex, he did everything that perfectly and even his last day was done that perfectly," the Jeopardy! exec said. "I just love that he had a nice, good last day. Ultimately, his family came back into town. He was surrounded by everyone and I think he knew that it was his time. He was very at peace with that."