Jeopardy! honors Alex Trebek in first episode since his death: 'He will forever be an inspiration'

"Over the weekend we lost our beloved host Alex Trebek. This is an enormous loss for our staff and crew, for his family, and for his millions of fans. He loved this show and everything it stood for," executive producer Mike Richards said during a special message at the top of the episode.

The EP added that Trebek taped his final episodes less than two weeks ago, and the show will air his final 35 episodes as they were shot because "that's what he wanted."

"He will forever be an inspiration for his constant desire to learn, his kindness, and for his love of his family," Richards continued, visibly choked up. "On behalf of everyone, thank you for everything Alex."

The camera then panned to an empty stage, which dimmed for a moment of silence.

Trebek died Sunday at age 80 following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He previously spoke about what he would say to fans in his final Jeopardy! broadcast.

"What I would do on that day is tell the director, 'Time the show down to leave me 30 seconds at the end. That's all I want,'" Trebek told ABC. "And I will say my goodbyes and I will tell people, 'Don't ask me who's going to replace me because I have no say whatsoever. But I'm sure that if you give them the same love and attention and respect that you have shown me for the past 30-odd years, then they will be a success and the show will continue being a success. And until we meet again, God bless you and goodbye."

Trebek continued working while undergoing treatment until Oct. 29, just 10 days before his death. Viewers will be able to watch him take his final bow on Jeopardy! on Christmas Day when the Sony-produced series airs his last episode. In a statement to EW, the studio stated they are "not announcing plans for a new host at this time."

Many past Jeopardy! champs, like Ken Jennings and James Holzhauer, have paid tribute to Trebek, as have celebrity fans such as Ryan Reynolds, Viola Davis, and Ken Jeong.

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