REVEALED: How “Jeopardy!” Host Ken Jennings Went From TEMPORARY STANDBY to Beloved Legend—His Emotional Last Phone Call with Alex Trebek Uncovered in a Heartbreaking Tale of Unfinished Goodbyes

Few know that Ken Jennings was originally just a TEMPORARY choice to fill the “Jeopardy!” host seat during a difficult time of loss. But what made him stay and become a beloved figure? In a rare and deeply emotional moment, Ken shared the story of his final phone call with Alex Trebek—a conversation filled with teacher-student love, raw sincerity, and unfinished goodbyes. What secrets did Ken reveal about their bond, and how did he carry the weight of Trebek’s legacy? This is a story of resilience, respect, and heartfelt connection that will move fans like never before.

Find out the full emotional story and watch Ken’s rare recounting of this unforgettable moment below.

Ken Jennings became a household name during his 74-game winning streak on Jeopardy!, and it is safe to say that late host, Alex Trebek, made a significant impression on Jennings’ life. 

During Jennings’ time as a contestant on Jeopardy!, he earned several millions in winnings. Even after Jennings left the show, the champion stayed close to the Jeopardy! family. Jennings was asked to guest host following Trebek’s tragic passing in November 2020 after a battle with stage four pancreatic cancer. 

In an E! News interview, Jennings opened up about stepping in as interim host for Jeopardy! The former contestant admitted: 

“Just to be frank, nobody wants me there. I don’t want me there. We all want to see Alex there for 100 years in a perfect world and, you know, I really just wanted to do the best I could so as not to let him down and Jeopardy! viewers down, so I felt a lot of pressure.”

Jennings also revealed that he was fortunate enough to have one last conversation with Trebek. Just days before Trebek’s passing, the two spoke on the phone. 

“I actually talked to him on the phone the same weekend he passed,” Jennings revealed. “We had talked about the possibility of me guest-hosting for him at some point, and he was so sweet. He was thanking me very genuinely for helping out and I was like, ‘Alex, you gave us 37 years. We should be thanking you. It’s the least I could do.’”

Jennings admits that he was very nervous to host. The former contestant recognizes that Trebek left behind a considerable legacy, and Jennings does not believe he is excelling just yet. Jennings admitted:

“Alex took his job very seriously, and I don’t believe he would be grading me on a curve. I think he would have some serious words on stuff I needed to work on—hopefully a C+.”