Alex Trebek gets emotional on Jeopardy! after contestant's heartfelt message

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) — Alex Trebek appeared to tear up on Monday's episode of Jeopardy! after a contestant used his response to a prompt to convey the message "We love you, Alex."

As his answer to one of Monday's questions, Tournament of Champions semifinalist Dhruv Gaur penned the message with a heart in place of the word "love," betting US$1995 (approx. $2,912) of his US$2000 (approx. $2,920) on the answer.

"Oh, that's very kind of you," Trebek, 79, said after seeing the message. "Thank you."

Continuing with the tournament, he added, "[That] cost you US$1,995 (approx. $2,912) , you're left with US$5 (approx. $7)."

Trebek, who has hosted Jeopardy! for 35 years, revealed in March that he has been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer — one of the fastest moving and deadliest types of cancer. Trebek has decided to continue hosting the show, however, returning in August after starting chemotherapy.

A five-year survival rate is only viable in 9% of patients who receive a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. "Now normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I'm going to fight this, and I'm going to keep working," he said at the time of his diagnosis.

"If anyone can beat this it's Alex," Sony Pictures TV chairman Mike Hopkins said. "He has our full support as he tackles this challenge head-on."

Fans of Jeopardy! have been vocal on social media about their support for the host since the announcement.