What is a touching tribute?
“Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings, 49, shared an emotional moment with a teary Mattea Roach on Tuesday, expressing his condolences to the contestant after their father passed away earlier this month.
“In your very first appearance on Jeopardy, we asked you what your most prized possession was,” said Jennings. “And you mentioned a denim jacket on extended loan from your dad, right?”
Roach, who uses they/them pronouns, answered that he was correct though sadly it was now “on permanent loan.”
“Unfortunately, my dad actually passed away at the start of the month very suddenly,” said Roach, 24. “He’s a huge part of the reason why I’m here he and my mom instilled an early love of geography in me my dad taught me all about Turner Classic Movies and old music and all sorts of things.”
The 24-year-old continued by saying that they want wanted to recognize their father, who died from a brain aneurysm, on what “might be my last game of the series” as well as the impact he had on their life.
Roach said that they were actually on the game show’s set when they found out about their dad’s passing.
“I could not have asked for better support going through what is the worst day of my life pretty much so far,” said Roach. “Everyone who made sure that I did not have to continue playing I was able to go home and be with my mom and my brothers. My whole family is so thankful for everyone here at ‘Jeopardy!’ for helping us through this really difficult time.”
Jennings said that everyone at the show was so sorry for their loss.
“Speaking as a dad, I can only guess at how proud he must have been of you and I’m so glad he had the chance to see you play,” said the host getting visibly choked up.
The Post reached out to Roach for comment.
In an obituary published by the Nova Scotia Buzz, the 57-year-old was described as “the proudest dad around and made this abundantly clear to anyone who would listen.”
During their 23-game win streak, Roach shared their wish to attend a Kraftwerk concert with him — a dream that was realized in June 2022.
“Doubt anyone was that invested in my Jeopardy anecdote about going to Kraftwerk with my dad, but in case anyone was: after ten years of talking about it I am finally going to see Kraftwerk with my dad,” tweeted Roach alongside a picture of their dad.
The elder Roach praised his child in an interview with CBC.
“She was probably beginning to read when she was about 3,” he explained. “Just always showing an interest in, not necessarily academics, but learning for the joy.”
“She’s been recognized as being part of the LGBTQ community, so that’s giving visibility and perhaps inspiring kids to be who they are, just do their best, and good things will happen,” he added.
“Jeopardy!” fans also expressed their sorrow as well as awe for Roach, who despite the loss, kept competing in the tournament.
“I’ll never know how Mattea was able to play after that emotional moment. Jeopardy is fortunate to have such a wonderful group playing in the Masters tournament,” tweeted one fan.
“So sorry for your loss @mattearoach. Congrats on making the final. Your dad would be proud,” said another fan.
One viewer also called the moment “touching” and “genuine” while another said they could how moved Jennings was.
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