A Jeopardy contestant's sweet final answer nearly brought Alex Trebek to tears

It’s almost impossible to imagine Jeopardy without host Alex Trebek, which made the Canadian entertainer’s news in March 2019 that he was suffering from pancreatic cancer even more shocking. Trebek has continued to be upfront with fans about his diagnosis and health status throughout his treatments, with the tragic return of his cancer inspiring an outpouring of love form those who have watched the TV host for decades. During an episode of Jeopardy this week, one contestant used his air time to tell Trebek just how important he is to viewers.Georgia native Dhruv Gaur returned to the Jeopardy stage on Monday as part of the Tournament of Champions but didn’t have an answer for the night’s final question about poverty in New York during the 1890s. Instead, Gaur used his space to send a sweet message of support to the beloved host, choking up Alex Trebek and anyone watching Monday’s episode.

Alex Trebek getting choked up at a heartfelt final jeopardy answer. The instant welling up of tears and emotion no viewer expected to have tonight. what a moment. #weloveyoualex pic.twitter.com/DVcMGKl8wj

— Kelli Kubicek (@Kelli96) November 12, 2019

Tweeting after the show, Gaur revealed that Trebek had told the returning contestants before the start of the show that he was reentering treatment for pancreatic cancer. “When Final Jeopardy came up, I could’ve tried to puzzle it together, but really, just kept thinking about Alex, and thought he should know,” said Gaur, who used his final answer to send a heartfelt message to Trebek.

When Final Jeopardy came up, I could’ve tried to puzzle it together, but really, just kept thinking about Alex, and thought he should know. 3/n

— Dhruv Gaur (@dhruvg_) November 12, 2019

I’m just very grateful I got the opportunity to say what I know everyone was thinking. Sending all the love. #weloveyoualex

— Dhruv Gaur (@dhruvg_) November 12, 2019

Ghaur’s final Jeopardy answer and tweets for context set off the hashtag #WeLoveYouAlex, with viewers around the world showing their support for the man who has become synonymous with the long-running TV show.

When I was a kid and Jeopardy would come on TV my dad would always yell at the screen “youre a god Alex!” #weloveyoualex pic.twitter.com/30Ag81ZqG1

— Gentry McShane (@Catpowerman5000) November 12, 2019

Alex Trebek and Jeopardy, together, represent one of the most consistent parts of my life.  I have watched since I was a teenager and now watch with my teenagers every night. #WeLoveYouAlex Really. So much. https://t.co/6c63XaQN6V

— Lori Rosenthal (@lbrenrose) November 12, 2019

I don’t watch much Jeopardy anymore, but knowing that Alex Trebek has been out here longer than my whole life just being excited about people knowing stuff has been a precious light for me. I’m terribly sad, but I’m so grateful to have witnessed his joyful career #WeLoveYouAlex https://t.co/DAxUYrGpQf

— Katy Leigh (@nervousleigh) November 12, 2019

Alex Trebek is genuine and pure. We need more people like him. #WeLoveYouAlex

— Niles Francis (@NilesGApol) November 12, 2019

If you’re a GenXer, Alex Trebek is a childhood icon. He was part of the fabric of life for 80s kids. I’d watch w friends & family—shouting out answers. When my Nani visited from India, she’d watch, too. She didn’t speak English but she loved seeing people’s joy. #weloveyoualex https://t.co/4PB9w9Op6P

— Samira Ahmed (@sam_aye_ahm) November 12, 2019

I know I'm not the only one sad about Alex Trebek being sick. We watched @Jeopardy every day after dinner growing up. He's family for real.

— Tiffany Boyd (@tb2housing) November 12, 2019

Couldn't have said it better ourselves, Dhruv! #WeLoveYouAlex pic.twitter.com/JPpXjF2ifZ

— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 12, 2019

Along with the other contestants from the Tournament of Champions, Gaur is donating $1 for every correct answer to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. For those who weren’t crying before, this should probably finish the job. This isn’t the first time Trebek has received support  from contestants, with champ James Holzhauser making a donation to a cancer walk in Trebek’s name.

With all the attention coming my way, I want to also re-up this play-along for Pancreatic Cancer on Thursday and Friday. Many of us are donating $1 for every question we get right when playing along at home to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Join along! https://t.co/0BzrvDo3RC

— Dhruv Gaur (@dhruvg_) November 12, 2019

Sudbury, Ontario native Alex Trebek has been the host of Jeopardy since 1984.  The host has received support from fans throughout his cancer journey, revealing in April that he was feeling well enough to return for his 36^th season. In May, Trebek happily announced that his cancer was near remission, but sadly it appears that is no longer the case.[video_embed id='1781745']Alex Trebek faces setback in cancer battle[/video_embed]