Legendary Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek announced in a YouTube video message on Wednesday that he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
“I have some news to share with all of you and it’s in keeping with my longtime policy of being open and transparent with our Jeopardy! fan base,” Trebek said into the camera, ABC News reported.
“Now, just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer,” he continued. “Now normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I’m going to fight this, and I’m going to keep working. And with the love and support of my family and friends and with the help of your prayers also, I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease.”
Trebek, 78, stuck with his trademark humor and wit in his message, saying, “Truth be told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy! for three more years! So help me. Keep the faith and we’ll win. We’ll get it done.”
The iconic host has been the face of Jeopardy! since 1984 and is currently in his 35th season fronting the popular quiz show.
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