Alex Trebek's Widow Jean Reflects on What the “Jeopardy!” Host Taught Her About Life and Love (Exclusive)

Jean Trebek, who was married to Alex for 30 years, celebrates the beloved star on the third anniversary of his death from pancreatic cancer in 2020

It's been three years since longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek passed away from stage four pancreatic cancer, on Nov. 8, 2020.

In the years since, his widow Jean 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't truly know just how loved he was.

"For the most part, Alex and I enjoyed staying at home. When we did go out, it was perhaps for a quick dinner or movie every now and then," she told Eden magazine in 2021. "I started realizing just how much he was adored by people from all walks of life when he made his public announcement that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer."

RELATED: Remembering Alex Trebek's Life and Career in Photos: From Local Canadian TV to Jeopardy!

Today, Jean, who is the founder of the website and podcast Inside Wink with her business partner Alison Martin, is keeping her late husband's memory alive by helping launch the Alex Trebek Fund with Stand Up to Cancer.

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 of People, 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. 

Related: Alex Trebek and Jean Trebek's Relationship Timeline

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.

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Read the original article on People.