'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek announced he's battling a major health crisis.
In a video posted on YouTube, Trebek announced he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
The video was posted Wednesday on the show's official page.
Trebek stated, "I have some news to share with you."
Trebek appeared in good spirits, even joked about his plans to beat this disease.
↓ WATCH TREBEK'S ANNOUCEMENT ↓
"I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease. Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy! for three more years!" Trebek said.
Trebek has hosted Jeopardy! since 1984.
According to TMZ, Trebek suffered heart attacks in 2007 and 2012.
The following is his statement:
"Hi everyone, I have some news to share with all of you and it’s in keeping with my longtime policy of being open and transparent with our Jeopardy! fan base. I also wanted to prevent you from reading or hearing some overblown or inaccurate reports regarding my health. So therefore, I wanted to be the one to pass along this information. Now, just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. 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 statistics for this disease. Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy! for three more years! So help me. Keep the faith and we’ll win. We’ll get it done. Thank you."
'Wheel of Fortune' host Pat Sajak tweeted his reaction to the news:
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.
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) March 6, 2019
