Social Media Gives Alex Trebek Support For His Courage, Bravery Following Stage 4 Cancer Announcement

Alex Trebek, best known for hosting the popular TV quiz show Jeopardy!, has drawn a large amount of support from fans and show business icons after his announcement Wednesday of a stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Following his own policy of transparency to his fans, he opened up said in his minute-long announcement: "Now normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging. But I'm going to fight this, and I'm going to keep working. And with the love and support of my family and friends, and with the help of your prayers also, I plan to beat the low-survival rate for this disease."

Ken Jennings, who went down as the winningest Jeopardy! player in history, compared Trebek to iconic newsman Walter Cronkite.

"I've said this before but Alex Trebek is in a way the last Cronkite: authoritative, reassuring TV voice you hear every night, almost to the point of ritual," Jennings tweeted.

Longtime Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak said he would never bet against Trebek, who often held an afternoon time slot around Sajak's.

"The Sajak family is deeply saddened to hear of Alex Trebek's struggle with cancer. Our hearts go out to him and his family. But there is no one I know who is stronger and more determined, and I would never bet against him. We, and the entire country, are pulling for you, Alex."

Jeopardy! is a unique quiz show in which, instead of the host asking questions and waiting to see who buzzed in first to give a correct answer, Trebek gave the answer and awaited the correct question. Vanna White, who works with Sajak on Wheel of Fortune, gave her encouragement in a way all Jeopardy! fans would certainly understand.

"The clue: "He has the strength and determination to beat his cancer diagnosis." The response: "Who is Alex Trebek?" My family and I are sending love and tons of healing prayers to you Alex," White wrote.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan followed along, giving the answer first. "Here is the clue: This @Jeopardy host has the full support and prayers from the entire state of Maryland.
Who is Alex Trebek? Best wishes, Alex. Stay strong!"

Trebek was born and raised in Canada, and Toronto Mayor John Tory acknowledged Trebek Wednesday evening, "Sending support on behalf of all Toronto residents to Alex Trebek tonight following his cancer announcement today and his pledge to fight the disease. He's a beloved Canadian and I know we are all supporting him."

Nancy Sinatra chimed in, saying Trebek is the one person who could beat a "lousy diagnosis."

"Answer: Who can beat a lousy diagnosis? Question: Who is Alex Trebek? We, your family, are sending love and standing with you, Alex. God keep you strong. WIN"

Social media lit up Wednesday night from media outlets to media personalities and countless others, with everyone wishing Trebek well.