It’s been three years Danger! host Alex Trebek died of stage four pancreatic cancer on November 8, 2020.
In the years since, his widow Jean Currivan Trebek, 59, says she’s been honored to hear how much her husband meant to so many around the world. While it didn’t surprise her, she also said that as a couple they mostly stayed out of the limelight, so it wasn’t truly to know how much he was loved.
“For the most part, Alex and I enjoyed staying at home. When we did go out, it was maybe for a quick dinner or a movie once in a while,” she told Eden magazine in 2021. “I began to realize how much he was adored by people from all walks of life when he publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.”
RELATED: Remembering Alex Trebek’s Life and Career in Photos: From Local Canadian TV to Danger!
Today, Jean, who co-founded the website and podcast Inside Wink with her business partner Alison Martin, keeps her late husband’s memory alive by helping to start the Alex Trebek Fund with Stand Up to Cancer.
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Jean and Alex Trebek on their wedding day in 1990.
Courtesy of Jean Trebek
He also wants people to know what he was really like at home. In this week’s issue of PEOPLE, she also talks about what Alex taught her about life, love and how to treat others.
Below is the letter she wrote based on what she would say to Alex if he were still alive today—and why she’s so grateful for his years of wisdom.
For more on Alex Trebek, check out this week’s issue peopleon newsstands on Friday.
Alex, I think about you every day (actually, several times a day) and recognize how you continue to inspire me. You would regularly tell me, “I see you.” I hope you know that I saw you too.
I saw you talk and listen to people. You were so present and curious about what people were doing and going through in their lives. I liked that you took an interest in their background and their circumstances. I’ve seen how comfortable you are to talk to anyone… from a famous politician to our wonderful gardener.
I realize how important that quality is and I am blessed to have had a husband whose words carried his truth and honesty. I saw how important it is to you to help people. I remember you were upset about some situation, so you got involved. I was proud that you are actually “love in action” and that this proactivity always benefits someone.
Alex Trebek and Jean Trebek Relationship Timeline
Even though you accomplished so much and had the right direction in your life, my favorite times were definitely simpler. When we would drive to our house in Paso Robles and watch a Lakers game together. If I called you unexpectedly while you were far away in a remote location. When I got home and you had prepared a really elegant dish of salmon with asparagus (cooked to perfection) with chocolate mousse.
Now I understand for myself how important it is to think for myself. And you showed this so brilliantly. In a world with so much noise, somehow you were able to listen to what was right and true for you.
I have come to appreciate that in myself, now more than ever, and I have you to thank for being fearless and a great example.
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Thank you for teaching me how to play backgammon. Thank you for all the love messages. Thank you for being my hero. You are forever in my heart.
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Source: HIS Education