‘Jeopardy!’: Alex Trebek Kindly Asks Fans to Stop Sending Him Mail – ‘Your Good Wishes Are Welcome’
Since Alex Trebek’s announcement in March 2019 of his diagnosis with late-stage pancreatic cancer, the Jeopardy! host has received no shortage of kind wishes, get-well messages, and encouragement from fans.
While the beloved television personality has expressed how touched he’s been by these gestures, it seems that the time has come for him to request that they stop – but he will continue to take good wishes.
After Alex Trebek made his diagnosis public, his fans got busy
When Trebek made his late-stage pancreatic cancer diagnosis public, he began receiving a deluge of cards, letters, and packages from fans wishing him healing and good health. The Canadian-born Trebek was overwhelmed and touched by the unexpected expressions from so many.
He said as much in his 2020 memoir, The Answer Is…, when he wrote about what happened after his revelation.
“I quickly discovered there are millions of people out there who seem to care and who feel I have played an important part in their lives,” he wrote. “I’ve received boxes and boxes of cards and letters from people around the world offering their support, encouragement, advice, and prayers.”
The quiz show host explained what he has done with most of the items he has received in an effort to preserve them.
“There is a very large glass display case inside the Jeopardy! studio that is filled with them,” he continued. “It’s a humbling experience, but it is one I thought deserved recognition.”
Trebek’s recent request is meant only to discourage good wishes you can mail
In August 2020, the Jeopardy! Instagram account posted a request from the host himself. As much as he loves receiving packages, the father of three has reached the point where he is having to ask that no more be sent his way. In the post, Trebek can be seen surrounded with countless packages, all sent to his attention.
“A note from Alex,” the post said. “As you can see, the volume of mail I’m receiving is getting out of hand! The thoughts conveyed show so much support and I appreciate that.”
“However, it’s now reached the point that I am overwhelmed and will no longer be able to respond to every request, and I will respond to none sent to my home. Please know that your good wishes are welcome, and I appreciate them all.”
Trebek’s fans react to his post
In reaction to his post, the Jeopardy! account’s followers posted their own comments, mostly understanding the need to let up on all the mailed items.
One fan was surprised that some supporters have been sending packages directly to Trebek’s home saying, “Yikes. People got your home address? I’ll take ‘creepy things that fans do’ for $200, Alex.”
And, another fan made the great suggestion that “Perhaps sending a gift to pancreatic cancer research would be a better way to show support to Alex.”
As Trebek said in his post, it’s only mailable wishes he’s asking be phased out. He still needs positive and good wishes from fans and those will surely continue.
