Jean and Alex Trebek in 2018.Photo:Ramona Rosales
Ramona Rosales
It’s been three years since longtimeJeopardy!hostAlex Trebekpassed away from stage four pancreatic cancer, on Nov. 8, 2020.
In the years since, his widowJean 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’s also said that they mostly stayed out of the spotlight as a couple, so she didn’ttrulyknow just how loved he was.
Jean and Alex Trebek on their wedding day in 1990.Courtesy Jean Trebek
Courtesy Jean Trebek
She also wants people to know what he was really like at home. In this week’s issue of PEOPLE, she also opens up about what Alex taught her about life, love and treating others.
Below is the letter she penned based on what she would tell Alex if he were still alive today — and why she’s so grateful for his years of wisdom.
For more on Alex Trebek, pick up this week’s issue ofPeople, on newsstands Friday.
Alex, Every day (actually, several times a day) I think about you and recognize how you continue to inspire me. Regularly, you would say to me, “I see you.” I hope you know, that I saw you too.
I saw how you talked and listened to people. You were so present and curious about what people were doing and going through in their lives. I loved that you took an interest in their backgrounds and their circumstances. I saw how you were comfortable in talking to anyone…from a famed politician to our wonderful gardener.
I recognize how important that quality is and I am blessed to have had a husband whose words carried his truth and integrity. I saw how important it was for you to help people. I remember you being upset about a situation, so you got involved. I was proud that you were actually, “love in action” and that this proactive quality always benefited someone.
Even though you accomplished so much, and had a real direction to your life, my favorite times were decidedly more simple. When we would drive up to our home in Paso Robles and watch the Lakers game together. When I would unexpectedly get a call from you while you were far away on a remote location. When I came home and you had prepared a really elegant salmon dish with asparagus (perfectly done) along with chocolate mousse.
Now on my own, I realize how important it is to think for myself. You demonstrated this so brilliantly, too. 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 value this within myself, now more than ever, and I have you to thank for being an intrepid and superb example.
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Thank you for teaching me backgammon. Thank you for all the love notes Thank you for being my hero. You are forever in my heart.
source: people.com
