What is an incredibly touching sentiment?
Ken Jennings paid tribute to Alex Trebek at the top of his first episode as the guest host of “Jeopardy.”
“Sharing this stage with Alex Trebek was one of the greatest honors of my life,” Jennings said while choking up.
“Not many things in life are perfect, but Alex did this job pretty much perfectly for more than 36 years — and it was even better up close,” Jennings said. “We were dazzled by his intelligence, his charm, his grace — really, there’s no other word for it.”
“Like all ‘Jeopardy!’ fans, I miss Alex. Very much,” he added. “And I thank him for everything he did for all of us.”
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“Let’s be totally clear: No one will ever replace the great Alex Trebek, but we can honor him by playing the game he loved,” he said before starting the game’s first round.
The show had previously paid tribute to the TV legend with a 90-second sizzle reel that aired last week during the last episode Trebek recorded.
Trebek died in November 2020 at the age of 80 from pancreatic cancer.
Jennings is one of several being considered for the permanent hosting job, and the first of several guest hosts, which will also include Katie Couric. More guest hosts are expected to be announced soon.