Ken Jennings wraps up guest hosting run on Jeopardy! by thanking legendary late host Alex Trebek

Ken Jennings’ run as the first guest host of Jeopardy! following the tragic death of Alex Trebek last year has come to and end.

Like he did in his hosting debut that aired on January 11, Jennings showed class by paying tribute to Trebek after his final show on February 19.

‘That’s a wrap on my six weeks of @Jeopardy guest hosting,’ the consulting producer and legendary contestant shared on Twitter along with a photo of himself wearing a purple ribbon during his guest-hosting stint.

‘Thanks for watching, thanks for your patience with a tough learning curve… and, as always, thank you Alex.’

End of run: Ken Jennings ended his six-week run as the first guest host of Jeopardy! following the death of Alex Trebek in November of last year

That purple ribbon Jennings wore on his suit was a show of support for pancreatic cancer research. 

Jennings, who is widely considered among the show’s Greatest of All Time contestants, honored Trebek after each of his episodes by signing off by saying: ‘Thank you, Alex.’ 

Trebek passed away on November 8, 2020 at the age of 80 after a nearly two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. 

In show of how much he loved life and the game show, the Canadian native worked through much of his bout with cancer and taped his final episode on October 29, 2020, which was 10 days before his death. 

Tribute: Jennings, 46, thanked Trebek at the end of his six-week run as guest host, as well as all of the other episodes worked

RIP: Trebek was 80 when he passed away on November 8, 2020, following a nearly two-year battle with pancreatic cancer

Jennings, 46, had the honor of being the first person to step behind the podium and microphone in the wake of Trebek’s passing. In a fitting tribute, he shared some heartfelt words in the opening minute of his debut, where he referenced his historic run on Jeopardy! in 2004.

‘Sharing this stage with Alex Trebel was one of the greatest honors in my life,’ he began in front of the live audience before describing him as ‘near perfection for 36 years’ as host.

‘We were dazzled by his intelligence, his charm, his grace; really, there’s no other word for it.’ 

Jennings holds the record for the longest winning streak on Jeopardy! with 74 consecutive victories. Between his championship reign and his appearances in tournaments over the years, his total earnings add up to $4,522,700.

A true honor: Jennings had the honor of being the first person to step behind the podium and microphone and serve as guest host of Jeopardy! in the wake of Trebek’s passing

GOAT: Jennings holds the record for the longest winning streak on Jeopardy! with 74 consecutive victories in 2004, earning over $4 million on the show

Show producers have not named a full-time replacement for Trebek yet, but have revealed some of the celebrity guest hosts for the rest of the season.  

Mike Richards, executive producer of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, is taking over from February 22 until March 5. He comes in with plenty of on-camera experience, having hosted several shows including Beauty and the Geek and Pyramid.

Some of the other high-profile people who will guest host include former Today co-host Katie Couric, CNN anchor and reporter Anderson Cooper and actress Mayim Bialik.                      

Legendary run: The Canadian native was the host of Jeopardy! for 37 seasons from its revival in 1984 until his death in 2020