Alex Trebek threw a Christmas party for the ages for “Jeopardy!” staff and crew last week when he brought not one, but two surprise guests to entertain those gathered for an early holiday celebration.
Read MoreAlex Trebek took over Feinsteins's at Vitello's to host the Jeopardy! staff and crew for their holiday party.
Special entertainment was provided by Don McLean and Paula Poundstone. Well done, Alex! pic.twitter.com/BzbSZnAg1nJeopardy! (@Jeopardy) December 20, 2019
"I sent an email to Don's people on his website and here we are tonight," Trebek told the audience at the party, reported People magazine. "I can officially take this off of my bucket list. This was a real treat for me."
The party, said People, was “entirely planned and executed by Trebek personally, and the TV host even hand-picked the seven songs McLean performed for the crowd.”
Fans were thrilled.
Don McLean from my hometown Croton NY. He still has it!!!!
ron zajicek (@rudyamber) December 20, 2019
And many tweeted their best wishes.
I am certain a great time was held by all. I pray for you too Alex, I admire you as a person. God bless you.
Aunt Donna (@donnajean_2011) December 22, 2019
Keep going Alex!
Ms K (@kr403424) December 21, 2019
Also thrilled? McLean’s girlfriend, model Paris Dylan, who posted this to Twitter:
One more of us with the sweet and beautiful Alex Trebek â™¥ï¸ #alextrebek pic.twitter.com/VzM3eNilTy
Paris (@Paris5503) December 21, 2019
Trebek, reported People, “had long dreamt of having the American singer/songwriter perform for him and even tried to bring his music to the Jeopardy! stage before finding out that it was out of budget.”
Trebek’s Big Prime-Time Special
"Jeopardy!" fans are now marking their calendars for “Jeopardy! The Greatest of All-Time.” The prime-time event, which starts Jan. 7, reunites the show's three legendary winners, Ken Jenning, James Hozhauer, and Brad Rutter, as they compete for a share of $1.5 million. The first contestant to win three matches will receive $1 million. Each runner-up will take home $250,000. Rutter is the top all-time money winner with $4.7 million, followed by Jennings with $3.4 million and Holzhauer with $2.7 million.
"Based on their previous performances, these three are already the 'greatest,' but you can't help wondering: who is the best of the best?" Trebek said in the official release.
The Host’s Cancer Journey
Trebek, 79, announced in March that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer that is, advanced, metastatic pancreatic cancer that had already spread beyond his pancreas to other parts of his body.
In early summer, he heard that his pancreatic cancer tumors had responded a "mind-boggling" amount. But in September he announced that he had to go through another round of treatment.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.