- Ken Jennings succeeded Alex Trebek as Jeopardy! host after the latter died from pancreatic cancer in 2020.
- Ken went on Instagram on July 22 to commemorate what would've been Alex's 85th birthday.
- See how fans reacted to the TV personality's poignant note about his former mentor.
Even though it's been almost five years since late Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek died from stage 4 pancreatic cancer at age 80, Ken Jennings continues to find new ways to keep his memory alive.
As fans of the hit quiz show remember, Ken took over as the permanent Jeopardy! host back in 2022. Given his close relationship to Alex after his incredible run on the show almost two decades earlier, it makes sense that Ken would continue to share insights about Alex with his followers online. That's exactly what he did on July 22, when he posted a rare photo of the duo as a way to commemorate what would've been Alex's 85th birthday. What's more, he wrote a poignant note detailing what the image meant to him after all of these years.
"Back in the day, I’d occasionally get sent Alex-autographed Jeopardy! photos from viewers asking me to sign as well," he wrote on Instagram. "Alex passed away in 2020 and it’s been a while since I’ve seen one. But look what showed up in the mail this week, days before what would have been his 85th birthday. Happy birthday, Alex."
When viewers saw the unique way Ken remembered Alex on his birthday, many made sure to let him know how great of a job he's doing as the late host's Jeopardy! successor.
"He would be proud to see you as host and carrying on the legacy," one person wrote in the comments. "Jeopardy has meant so much to so many of us. I miss Alex all the time ❤️ but am glad you are there to follow in his footsteps, I can’t imagine anyone else in the role now!" another penned. "Love you Ken! Alex would be so proud of the job you’ve done for Jeopardy!" a different follower added.
As folks may also remember, this isn't the only time Ken has talked about traditions Alex kept while he was alive. When speaking to People back in April, the TV personality revealed a special nod he does for Alex while backstage on Jeopardy!.
"It's part of our Jeopardy! tradition because Alex always had TCM [Turner Classic Movies] on in the dressing room," he told the outlet at the time. "That's something I'm gladly keeping going."
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
