When you think of Alex Trebek, you probably picture the legendary host of Jeopardy!, but there's so much more to the man than what we see on TV. Family has always been at the heart of Alex's life, and in his new book, The Answer Is … : Reflections on My Life, he opens up about the joys and challenges of being a dad to his three children—Matthew, Emily, and Nicky. Let me tell you, this is more than just a story about parenting. It's a deeply personal reflection on the fears and triumphs that come with raising a family.
The Challenges of Fatherhood
Being a father isn’t all smooth sailing, and Alex is the first to admit it. In his book, exclusively shared with Closer Weekly, Alex reveals that one of the most challenging aspects of fatherhood is the fear it brings into his life. "It's not just the kids I worry about," he writes. "It's Jeanie too." Alex, now 79, expresses concern over his wife, Jean Trebek, especially when she takes evening walks in the park near their home. The early winter darkness makes him anxious about her safety. "I don’t like her being up there when it’s dark. It worries me," he confesses. Parenthood, it seems, amplifies our protective instincts, making us hyper-aware of the potential dangers around our loved ones.
A Close-Knit Family
Alex and Jean welcomed son Matthew in 1990 and daughter Emily in 1993. Although Alex isn’t Nicky’s biological father—she’s the daughter from his ex-wife Elaine Trebek Kares—he treats her as if she were his own. "I never adopted Nicky," he explains. "Her biological father was alive at the time. I refer to her as my daughter by osmosis." That’s what you call true love and acceptance in a family. They’ve built a strong bond, and Alex proudly refers to them as a "very close-knit, happy family."
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When his kids were in high school, Alex's ex-wife Elaine played a pivotal role by offering them summer jobs. This not only kept them busy but also taught them the value of hard work and responsibility. Alex was always there for his kids, attending all of Emily’s basketball and volleyball games. He even helped out as an assistant coach alongside Bryan Cranston. "To be honest, I followed Jean’s lead on parenting," Alex admits. "She is the calming influence. She has a more understanding personality than I do. She’s not as rigid." It’s clear that Jean has been the rock of their family, guiding them with patience and compassion.
Strength in Partnership
Alex, who has been bravely battling stage IV pancreatic cancer, credits much of his strength to his wife, Jean. "There were some very dark days when he just wanted to give up, but she has a way of lifting his spirits," a source shared with Closer Weekly. "She makes him smile when he least expects it. He says he’s only beaten the odds this long because of his wife’s daily support." Their partnership is a testament to the power of love and resilience. Jean has been by Alex’s side through thick and thin, proving that a strong support system can make all the difference.
This is a story of a man who, despite the challenges, has found joy and purpose in fatherhood. It’s a reminder that family is our greatest treasure, and the bonds we create with our loved ones are what truly matter in life.
So, if you're intrigued by Alex’s journey as a father and want to dive deeper into his reflections, be sure to check out his book, The Answer Is … : Reflections on My Life, which hits the shelves on Tuesday, July 21.
