When we think of Alex Trebek, the legendary host of "Jeopardy!", we often remember his incredible 30-year marriage to Jean Currivan Trebek. But Alex's journey of love didn't start there. Before finding his forever match in Jean, Alex had a meaningful relationship with his first wife, Elaine Trebek Kares. Their story began long before Alex became a household name, back when he was building his career in Canada and hosting shows like "The Wizards of Odds."

Elaine and Alex tied the knot in 1974, a time when Alex was still finding his footing in the entertainment world. He was working in radio and television, slowly establishing himself as a rising star. By the time he made his debut on "Jeopardy!" in 1984, Elaine was no longer by his side, but their marriage left a lasting impact on Alex's life. The couple stayed together for over seven years, navigating the ups and downs of their careers and personal lives before parting ways in 1981.

After his divorce from Elaine, Alex met Jean, a former real estate project manager, and the two fell deeply in love. They married in 1990 and spent three wonderful decades together, raising their children, Matthew and Emily, and celebrating countless milestones. Jean was more than just a partner; she was Alex's rock, especially during his battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer. A close friend of the couple revealed, "Alex says he never would have been able to get through his cancer battle without Jean." Her unwavering support gave him the strength to keep fighting, even on the darkest days.

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Though Alex's relationship with Elaine ended, it laid the foundation for the incredible life he built with Jean. But who exactly was Elaine, the woman who shared a chapter of Alex's life? Let's dive deeper into her world and uncover the story behind Alex's first love.

alex-trebek-through-the-years — Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Getty Images

When Did Elaine and Alex Tie the Knot?

Elaine and Alex's marriage began in 1974 and lasted for seven years until they decided to go their separate ways in 1981. During their time together, Alex adopted Elaine's daughter, Nicky Callei, from her previous marriage to Louis Callei. Though the couple didn't have any biological children of their own, their bond remained strong, even after their divorce. Nicky continued to use Alex's last name and stayed close with him throughout his life.

What Does Elaine Do for a Living?

Elaine is not just any businesswoman—she's a powerhouse with a diverse portfolio. She owns several successful companies, including Scent Seal, a perfume packaging business; Mag-A-Music, a multimedia music distributor; and Gallery GO, an art gallery located in Los Angeles. But Elaine's career didn't start in the corporate world. She began her journey as a Canadian talk show host, party planner, and even worked as a Playboy bunny. Her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for creativity have driven her success in various industries.

Did Elaine Remarry After Her Divorce from Alex?

After her marriage to Alex ended, Elaine found love again. In 2001, she married film producer Peter Kares, and this union seems to have stood the test of time. Interestingly, Peter played a significant role in starting many of Elaine's companies, proving to be a supportive partner both personally and professionally. Before Alex, Elaine was married to her first husband, Louis Callei, whom she wed in 1963. The exact timeline of their separation remains unclear, but it's evident that Elaine has always embraced new beginnings.

Where Did Elaine Call Home?

Elaine's roots trace back to Columbus, Ohio, but her life has taken her on quite the adventure. She moved to Toronto, Canada, to pursue her career in party planning and eventually transitioned into television hosting. Later, she relocated to Los Angeles with Alex to support his growing career in the entertainment industry. Today, Elaine resides in LA with her husband, Peter, where she continues to thrive in her various ventures.

Did Alex Stay Close to Nicky?

Even after his divorce from Elaine, Alex maintained a close relationship with Nicky, his stepdaughter. Nicky played a significant role in Alex's life, working on the production side of "Jeopardy!" and contributing to other TV specials and films. Beyond her professional achievements, Nicky has also made a name for herself in the modeling world, gracing the covers of prestigious magazines like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour. Additionally, she's a talented singer and songwriter, proving that creativity runs in the family.