Jeopardy! super-champ Amy Schneider is mourning the loss of her mother, Betty Jo Schneider, who died on Thursday (June 25) at 83 years old.

Amy shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram late Thursday night, writing, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce that my mother, Betty Jo Schneider, has passed away at the age of 83. My mom was a smart, stubborn, compassionate woman, who loved to learn, and to teach.”

She continued, “I wouldn’t be who I am without her inspiration, encouragement, and support. I’m not ready for her to be gone, but her last days were spent peacefully with her family, and she feels no more pain. I love you, Mom. RIP.”

Amy, who won 40 consecutive games on Jeopardy! between November 2021 and January 2022, previously credited her mom for her success on the long-running game show.

“I would like to thank my mom,” Amy said during the episode where she clinched her 30th victory. “You know, I was thinking about what it is that contributed to me being here and my success here. And I was thinking about when she was helping me study for the Spelling Bee.”

She added, “We wouldn’t just go over the words, but we talked about the etymology, and she said, like, ‘Isn’t it interesting that stoic comes from this architecture term?’ That’s, I think, why… I know so much stuff is that I always want to associate it with something and find interest in the fact and not just the fact itself.”

Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings told Amy, “This is going to warm the heart of parents out there. You’re still making a difference decades later. It matters what you do.”

After Amy announced the news of her mother’s passing, fans shared their sympathies in the comments, including the official Jeopardy! Instagram account, which left a “blue love heart” emoji.

Comedian Guy Branum, who appeared as a contestant on Jeopardy! in April 2025 and in the 2025 Second Chance tournament, added, “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

One fan commented, “So sorry Amy. When my mom passed, someone gave me a card, inside was a quote” Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened”. Dr Suess.”

“I am so sorry Amy. I hope she didn’t suffer. It’s such a difficult transition in life to lose your Mom. Sending lots of love and my sympathies,” another added.

The Daily Show alum Frank DeCaro wrote, “Sending you my most sincere condolences and, as always, my admiration.”

“Sorry for your loss, Amy. She looked like a kind lady,” said another.

“I’m sorry for your loss. May all your fun, learning, and loving memories sustain you during this difficult time,” one fan wrote.

“Amy, I am so sorry for your loss… The love of a mother and support are the most important things in the world! Know she loved you dearly and supported you every turn,” another added.

In addition to her impressive 40-game winning streak, Amy also won the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions that aired in November 2022. She also competed in the 2024 and 2025 Jeopardy! Invitational Tournaments and the first two seasons of Jeopardy! Masters.